Subject: Re: bird names
Date: Jan 20 10:33:18 1995
From: Michael Smith - whimbrel at u.washington.edu


On Fri, 20 Jan 1995, Rick Hudson wrote:

(snip snip)
> Just a thought or two on names (NA birds): 1 grouse and 2 ptarmigan
> appear to be named for their association with a particular habitat--willow,
> rock, spruce--1 ptarmigan and several grouse appear to be named for a

The funny thing about this is how many species with names for habitats
aren't limited, or don't even prefer those habitats. Take Spruce Grouse
for instance. One would think it prefers Spruce forests (duh..), but I
quoth Jewett et al. (1953)...

'is more often found in the lodgepole pines...east of the Cascade summit
than any other habitat. (snip snip) The spruce grouse likes the younger
stands of lodgepole pines, and is partial to brushy bottoms not far from
water. (snip snip) Occasionally the Franklin spruce grouse is found in the
Hudsonian Zone, in forests of Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir, and Lyall
larch.

We find that the Spruce Grouse (at least in Washington) only
*occasionally* meanders up to the Spruce forests. Another is Willow/Rock
Ptarmigan. Maybe elsewhere in their range they prefer willows/rocks, but
my experience with them on Alaska's North Slope would indicate no
predilection for either of these, just a need to be in a dry, tussocky
tundra area with ample ground cover.

Other names seem to be right on target. Rock Wrens always seem to be
near rocks, and Canyon Wrens seem to like canyons, and Cactus Wrens love
Opuntia. Now that I think of it, the wren names are all fairly accurate
(Marsh Wren and Sedge Wren).

And as far as naming birds after field marks goes, how often do you see
the ringed neck of a Ring-necked Duck (should be the Ring-billed Duck)?
And how can you actually tell that that little Northern Beardless
Tyrannulet is clean-shaven? Little bugger is so small, drab, and active,
it's hard enough just to see it. And the roseate on Roseate Terns
requires very good light, close views, and a bit of luck.

The Gray-crowned Rosy Finches Michael Price showed us on MLK day were
beautiful, and I think aptly named. Cheers!

____________________________
Mike Smith
Univ. of Washington, Seattle
whimbrel at u.washington.edu