White-tailed Kite was officially known as White-tailed
Kite prior to 1973. It was lumped with the old world
Black-shouldered Kite in the big purge of 1973 (along
with juncos, "rumps", Green (backed) Heron, flickers,
"Northern" Orioles, etc, etc). It was a dark time for
listers...

White-tailed Kite was split back out (along with Green
Heron, Bullock's Oriole, etc. etc.) in 1997. For those
who have an older book, some translation may be necessary.


> And, although I cannot quote the citation, I believe the AOU finally decided
> to call them "White-Tailed Kites" officially. But who knows, perhaps they'll
> change their minds again and go back to Black-Shouldered. Maybe we should
> call them White- Tailed Black-Shouldered Red-Eyed Kite and cover all the
> bases.
> Michelle
> MBlanchrd at aol.com
> Oly, WA

--
Mike Patterson Alas, to wear the mantle of Galileo,
Astoria, OR it is not enough to be persecuted
celata at pacifier.com by an unkind establishment,
you must also be right.
---Robert Park
http://www.pacifier.com/~mpatters/bird/bird.html