Taxonomy

Taxonomy

The proper use of taxonomic nomenclature is essential for sharing and combining information about any organism. Consistent naming conventions provide a common language that many of the tools discussed in this guide can use to link to the vast amounts of information currently available for a given species (or sub-species).

In the digital world, a valid taxonomy is similarly relevant and potentially even more necessary. A species' name is often used to construct an entire database, link tables, or search for entries. Without the use of correct and up-to-date species names, linking information about the same species becomes extremely difficult. Furthermore, the use of taxonomic standards combined with the advent of new web technologies will allow for the development of many applications that we have not yet envisioned. In order to embrace the “future” of modern digital applications and solutions, a strong and standardized foundation for taxonomic nomenclature is critical

Ideally, one global standard would exist for taxonomy; however, there are at least three major taxonomy sources available for birds: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS, http://www.itis.gov/, U.S. and Canadian versions), AviBase (http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/) and the American Ornithologists’ Union checklist (http://www.aou.org/checklist/north/index.php). Although the bird taxonomy is relatively stable in that most species are described and names exist, changes do frequently occur. For example, genetic analyses are increasingly being used to lump and split species, and the status of many subspecies is widely unresolved. Albatrosses and Birds of Paradise are good examples of disputed genera. Furthermore, the bird world has virtually no good standard for taxonomic nomenclature of subspecies. It is therefore unavoidable that a global bird list remains somewhat dynamic, as science develops.

Explicit and consistent use of a taxonomic standard is essential for effective use and sharing of information. Taxonomic standards should have a solid taxonomic review process, standardized formats, global views and consider future demands. ITIS has such a mandate and provides output of digital phylogenies and stable Taxonomic Serial Numbers (TSN). However, for many bird names used globally, AviBase might better cater to specific needs. AviBase can provide region-specific results and addresses synonyms by offering cross-walks among naming conventions. It is widely used among amateurs and professionals alike (e.g., Avian Influenza data from the National Institutes of Health). The AOU checklist, an annually updated species list that originated in the 1950s, is still widely used by many traditional ornithologists, especially in older and static scientific publications. Unfortunately, the AOU checklist lacks many modern features that are becoming a central component of data analyses and use. In particular, it is a free-text document that is not formatted to allow easy access by web tools and relevant databases.

This publication is dynamic in that it will continue to be improved, updated, and expanded over time. Suggestions for improving the content, organization, and scope of this publication are encouraged and can be contributed here (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NP3Y772).