There is a super little book called The Dictionary of American Bird Names by Ernest A. Choate (should Er-nest write books about nesting habits??) Anyhow, Mr. Choate gives super descriptions (some with humor) about both the common names and the scientific names and has a section on how naming happens. The book was published by the Harvard Common Press in 1985. Flora and Fauna Books probably has it.

Caroline Feiss
Madrona Neighborhood, Seattle
mailto:cfeiss at halycon.com