Taxonomy
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the classification of birds, which involves the grouping of birds into categories according to physiological similarities, and the modern scientific approach was originally created by Carl Linnaeus, but more recently, due to considerations of their genetic make-up, is a study which continues to evolve. The classification of birds is now under constant flux and revision, but for a quick introduction to a very complex issue click Taxonomy here. For those interested in a more detailed enquiry into Modern Taxonomy check here.
The Taxonomy of the Birds of the Arab World is further complicated, mainly due to it being at the junction of three continents, however some places to start looking to gain a better insight are listed below. There are a number of Regional and Worldwide Taxonomic Checklists to choose from and without preference some of them are listed below.
NOTE- As a general thought, to keep in mind at the moment, Bird names both ‘common’ and scientific are in a constant state of flux, this together with the equally dynamic Taxonomy systems, as noted above, has meant large changes in ‘common’ names, scientific names, taxonomic classifications and species ordering in all the systems, this is likely to continue for some time. This means that most published bird books are very quickly out of date, even recently published sources, and causes some diffculty in naming and locating birds and their position in any current taxonomic system. Take care, you have been warned.
Regional Taxonomic Checklists
Bird Taxonomy…A general introduction.
OSME Region List of Birds,,, Explanation of the ORL
OSME Region List of Birds…The current OSME Region Bird List
Worldwide Taxonomic Checklists
Birdlife Taxonomy List… BirdLife International maintains it’s own list which is a must read to get an understanding of the many issues involved.
Clements Checklist…with 2019 updates.
eBird Checklist – based on Clements with additions IOC Checklist…with updates as required.
IOC World Bird Names – Family List in Latin and English