>My understanding is that the ABA
>and the AOU only differ as to the contents of their checklists (due to
>differences in what they consider valid records), but that they always
>unite on the splitting and lumping...

Well ... this implies ("unite") some sort of equal status for the
two groups. The ABA is a hobby group, and the AOU is probably pleased
that the ABA keeps current on the official scientific taxonomy, since
many ornithologists are birders, too.

But the AOU names are the valid names - the ABA could switch to
Swahili and it wouldn't affect a thing (except their membership :)

- Don Baccus, Portland OR <donb at rational.com>
Nature photos, on-line guides, more at http://www.xxxpdx.com/~dhogaza