Coding bird names
Ellen Paul (epaul@dclink.com)
Mon, 12 Apr 1999 08:48:43 -0400
There is actually a system to the four-letter codes, and while I still
have some trouble with it, it helps if you understand how the code works
(and if folks who want to abbreviate use it, instead of making up their
own).
The general rule is that you take the first two letters of the first
word and the first two letters of the second word. HOuse FInch is HOFI.
If the name has three words use the first letter of the first word, the
first letter of the second word, and the first two letters of the
third. Black-Billed MAgpie = BBMA.
If the name has one word, use the first four letters of the word.
OVENbird = OVEN.
Now, even that can be a problem because while there are official common
names, not everyone uses them or knows them. You would need to know that
what we commonly call a Titmouse or a Tufted Titmouse is actually an
Eastern Tufted Titmouse. ETTI.
And then there are the overlaps. Cactus Wren and Canyon Wren. Well,
memorize. CSWR and CNWR, respectively. Carolina Wren. CAWR.
Then there were the days when I remembered the system but in a
sleep-deprived stupor, applied it to the scientific names. And got a
call from the principal investigator asking what kind of bird is a
CACA? Any guesses?
Ellen
--
Ellen Paul
Executive Director
The Ornithological Council
Mailto:epaul@dclink.com
Ornithological Council Website: http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET
"Providing Scientific Information about Birds"