11
Taxonomy, nomenclature and sequence
This is a very confusing and contentious area of ornithology, and newcomers to birding will have every
reason to be mystified by the various treatments given by different books. There are those taxonomists who
prefer to ‘lump’ species and those who prefer to ‘split’ them (thus subspecies become species in their own
right).
The species taxonomy and nomenclature (English and scientific names) followed here is that of the list
published by the International Ornithological Congress (IOC) and adopted by the Ornithological Society of the
Middle East for its ‘OSME Region List’ (ORL). The IOC list is updated every quarter and can be viewed online
at http://www.worldbirdnames.org while the OSME list can be seen at http://www.osme.org/orl. For presentational
reasons, the sequence of families and species does not follow the IOC list precisely. See the Checklist on
pp.251–261 for the latest official order of species.
Only rarely have English names deviated from those proposed by the IOC, in each case involving logical
divergence from that proposed by the IOC, rather than (and despite temptation) any particular personal
preference. We have also given alternative names where relevant (under ‘Alt’ at the end of the species
text), but only those that are still often used or are of help in preventing confusion. The treatment given to
alternative names is not comprehensive but if a problem arises, the scientific name should prevent ambiguity,
although many of these have also been subject to change in recent years.
In vogue with the times, though not without substantial scientific backing, the taxonomic trend has
been towards splitting species and the recognition of new species. With such a constant state of flux, it
is impossible to stay ahead of developments. This field guide is not a taxonomic authority and has simply
embraced the latest thinking on what may or may not constitute a species. However, we describe all
recognisable taxa known to occur in the region.
Some explanation of the use of binomial and trinomial scientific names is required:
- Where there is universal agreement on full species status a binomial is used in the scientific name, e.g.
Merops orientalis (Green Bee-eater).
- For taxa which are universally recognised as different forms (subspecies) of the same species then the
trinomial is used without brackets, e.g. Buteo buteo vulpinus (Steppe Buzzard).
- We have generally avoided using parentheses in any trinomial names following the recommendations
of the IOC list. Several subspecies, for example, Acrocephalus stentoreus brunnescens (Indian Reed
Warbler) may possibly be upgraded to full species status, e.g. Acrocephalus brunnescens, in the future.Illustrations and identification text
Our aim has been to make the illustrations and species accounts of help to beginner and expert alike. We
have concentrated on those features which are important for identification and, accordingly, these are
highlighted in the text. For each species, length from bill tip to tail tip (L) is given in centimetres; for larger
birds wingspan (W) is also given. Where the identification of a species does not present a problem, the
texts are often brief, whereas more difficult species have necessarily warranted more detailed descriptions,
sometimes including biometrics.
There is no need to stress the increasing importance of digital photography in helping to make correct
identifications, especially of tricky species. This enables examination and discussion with experts at a later
date.
Abbreviations used on the plates: ad – adult, juv – juvenile, imm – immature, ^ – male, – female.