It is my understanding that the checklist reflects the ornithological understanding of birds going from most primitive to most?recent in terms of evolution. The loons and grebes were around millions of years (give or take) before we had finches.



But alas I am beginning to hear that this order is being?updated and newer field guides and checklists will start off with shorebirds instead of the loons. I have already seen one field guide that started off with shorebirds (the title escapes me).

I am very curious in the answers other people will offer.

Jim Rosso
Arlington, VA
birdcentral.net


-----Original Message-----
From: TheMartins <themartins at tndmartin.com>
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Sent: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 8:45 am
Subject: [Tweeters] Dumb Question: Order of Checklists




I'm a fairly casual bird enthusiast, but I've noticed that at least most
ird checklists follow the same order of listing birds. Loons are at the
eginning and finches are near the end. I should take a course in biology,
ut maybe someone could explain in lay terms the reason or the methodology
or listing in a certain order. I think it is wonderful most lists follow
he same order, but it might help to know the basis for the order.
Thanks for taking the time to help.
Dick Martin
enatchee Valley
ailto: themartins at tndmartin.com


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