30

TAXONOMY

Taxonomy is the science of classifying and naming things. For better or worse we are living in exciting

if frustrating taxonomic times, as knowledge of avian taxonomy grows by leaps and bounds. Species are

being shifted from one family to another, and families are being moved around to reflect their relatedness,

despite the fact that it is inherently impossible to portray the multidimensional process of evolution in a

linear list. One of the most heavily affected categories in this molecular revolution is that of genus, and the

changes there are almost impossible to keep up with. Species, on the other hand, that elusive taxonomic

level of most interest to birders, are being relatively ignored in all this higher-level work, where the focus is

shifting toward genetic lineages, which may or may not reflect the more traditional concept of biological

species (Howell 2021).

Taxonomy and Species

For professional ornithologists, let alone birders, it can be challenging if not impossible to keep pace with

changing taxonomy and new names. With the advent of multiple bodies producing world lists, each

with its own differing view of how species should be defined, the inconsistencies of what is treated as a

species, or isn’t, add to the challenge. For example, Plain Wren Thryothorus modestus of Stiles & Skutch

(1989) became Plain Wren Cantorchilus modestus in Garrigues & Dean (2014), and has since been split

by some authors into three species, including Isthmian Wren Cantorchilus elutus, which at first glance is

not immediately connected to the Plain Wren of old.

If it helps, when thinking about different species concepts you might consider that the important word

is concept, not species. That is, regardless of how humans define a species, it basically comes down to a

matter of opinion, with no right or wrong (Howell 2021).

For this guide, we have tried to address the species status of Costa Rican birds in terms of related taxa

in North America, Central America, and in some cases South America or Eurasia when we have relevant

experience. The ability to travel worldwide and observe birds, combined with literature and museum

work, including sound analysis, has enabled us to offer opinions about many taxa. We evaluated species

status on a case-by-case basis and with reference to how closely related taxa are treated. Our taxonomic

review of Costa Rican birds revealed over 100 taxa that could represent ‘new’ species but which are

not widely recognized as such, ranging from painfully obvious and in dire need of splitting to weakly

differentiated and poorly known (Howell & Dyer 2022). We refer interested readers to that paper, the

conclusions of which are summarized in Appendix C.

Ideally, a species’ English name should be simple, informative, and preferably memorable. ‘Golf Foxtrot

Lima,’ we hear you respond to this sentiment. New names proposed here have for the most part attempted

to disrupt the status quo as little as possible; most reflect geographic or plumage features, and a few

commemorate persons who described the species or who have made major contributions to Costa Rican

ornithology.

Many if not all of the splits we adopt or suggest here will undoubtedly become ‘official’ in the future.

We hope that drawing attention to them acts as a laxative on the taxonomic constipation manifested by

some committees and speeds the rate at which ignorance and inertia fall victim to reality. If nothing else,

our insights may help humans more meaningfully catalogue the burgeoning environmental ‘anthropo­

genocide’ being inflicted on our planet.

And for birders who just want a simple answer to know what they can count on their lists? Well, there

is none. We make no apologies for the realistic if sometimes ambiguous course we have adopted because,

as the relationship page on some websites might say: ‘It’s complicated.’ Birders who keep lists can choose

one of several options to follow, although it’s a bit like different religions. The thinking person realizes

sooner or later that these different checklists, or species concepts, can’t all be right, but often there’s some

comfort, or convenience, in following one or the other.