New Species in BNA Online

The Birds of North America life history series, developed during the 1990s with a mandate to cover all 700+ of the birds with well-established breeding populations in the USA (50 states) and Canada, succeeded admirably in that goal.

But birds are dynamic in distribution and increasingly well studied by taxonomists. Some species that were marginal breeders in North America 2-3 decades ago are more solidly established (and better studied) here now. And some forms treated as subspecies in the 80s and 90s now appear -- in the light of new evidence, both molecular and field -- to be full species. In short, what seemed a fairly solid, well-defined list of BNA species 15 years ago is starting to look a little different now. 

In an effort to keep abreast of these shifts in taxonomy and distribution, BNA Online is beginning to add new species to our line-up.  A few examples follow, helping to elucidate the rationale for growing our list:

Black-crested Titmouse — BNA Online added its first new species account in September 2008, this one written by our Taxonomic Editor, Michael Patten, and his wife Brenda Smith-Patten. BNA had initially covered the Black-crested Titmouse as a subspecies of the Tufted Titmouse, within that account, reflecting accepted taxonomy at the time. Re-examination of studies since then led the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU) to accord the Black-crested full species status. Because BNA Online follows AOU taxonomy, the most widely recognized source for N. America, the Black-crested went on our list for full and separate treatment.  We were fortunate to find the right authors quickly, people who knew the taxonomy and had field experience with the species.  Be sure to check out this “new” BNA species, if you haven’t already.

Ringed Kingfisher (RIKI) — Part of a small but growing group of sub-tropical/tropical birds that barely make it into North America as breeders, this kingfisher nests only in s. Texas. When BNA considered including the Ringed Kingfisher in the 1990s there were very few breeding in the US, and essentially no studies of the species here.  Today the bird is better known north of the border, with noticeably more breeding records than 30 years ago, so it seemed appropriate to add RIKI to BNA Online’s list. Thanks to author Tim Brush, we’ve been able to do that and are pleased to publish this new account this week – the first comprehensive life history of this species. 

What other species might we consider?   In the category of taxonomic splits, like the Black-crested Titmouse, several species demand attention.  Cackling Goose (Branta hutchinsii) -- now split from the Canada Goose based on differences in size, voice, habitat, and timing of migration, as well as on genetic studies -- is an obvious candidate, and now have an account underway on that species.  Similarly, the Sharp-tailed sparrows (Nelson’s and Salt-marsh) are now being considered separately by BNA Online, reflecting recent findings on the “old”  species Ammodramus caudacutus.  We expect to publish an account of Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow in the next few months. 

Decisions to include species undergoing shifts in range are less straightforward.  When does a species qualify as an “established breeder” in N. America?  When we have 3 pairs nesting for 5 years, or 25 pairs for 2 years, or ….. ?  It’s tough to write much of a life-history based on a few pairs nesting for a few years. So there are lots of value judgments on what to include here, and good reasons these “new” species haven’t yet been included in the BNA series. But a short list of species we are considering (not assigned, by no means exclusive) might include: Ross’s Gull; Black-headed Gull; Ringed Plover; Clay-colored Robin; Muscovy Duck – to name a few. Keep in mind that thorough life-histories of some of these species (e.g., Ross’s and Black-headed gulls) have been written in other avian handbooks (e.g., Birds of the Western Palearctic), so BNA Online needs to be realistic about what we can add, and make sure we’re not simply “re-inventing the wheel” and painting it a different color, so to speak. 

Looking ahead: BNA Online subscribers can expect to see a small but steady stream of new species accounts published by BNA Online, following changes in AOU taxonomy.  But we’ll certainly be considering others as data accumulate – I’d expect Ross’s and Black-headed gulls to be assigned soon, as those species have bred in North America for years now, with enough studies here that a BNA account could bring useful information to the table. 

Stay tuned; send suggestions.  We’d be happy to have your thoughts and input on these matters.  Best of all, volunteer to write a new account for us!

Thanks for interest. 

Alan Poole, Editor – BNA Online