A.O.S. Update to Checklist of Birds of North America

[Steve Mirick]

The American Ornithological Society has issued its annual supplement to
the checklist of birds of North America.  The "Committee on
Classification and Nomenclature of North and Middle American Birds"
(N.A.C.C.) analyzes the taxonomy of birds and issues changes that may be
based on genetics, etc. to determine whether species should be created
or lumped based on the best scientific evidence as well as to change the
names and taxonomic order of birds as they seem most appropriate. 
Personally, I think the committee is made up of publishers of bird field
guides in order to boost sales!  :-)

This year's major change is the split of the southwestern subspecies of
Eastern Meadowlark.  Sometimes called the "Lillian's Meadowlark", this
subspecies has now been elevated to a full species status.  If you had
previously seen an Eastern Meadowlark in Arizona or New Mexico, you can
now count it as a new life bird!

Rather than call it Lillian's Meadowlark, they have decided to name it
Chihuahuan Meadowlark.

https://www.aba.org/aos-supplement-redux-2022/

Steve Mirick
Bradford, MA