#anials

Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula), family Mustelidae, WB, India

As you may already know... ornithological authorities (such as the AOS and ABA) in North America have decided, for a variety of reasons, to rename all of the birds that have been named after people.

Some examples: Lewis's Woodpecker, Smith's Longspur, MacGillivray's Warbler...

I thought it would be fun for us to come up with some ideas for new common names here on Tumblr.

Here are some criteria for re-naming that might appeal to ornithologists and birdwatchers:

Habitat and geographical range

Physical characteristics

Call/song characteristics

Behavior

PLEASE MAKE YOUR NAMING SUGGESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS, REBLOG, OR TAGS.

We'll take the best ideas, and put them in a poll by the end of the week! (I and an esteemed panel of ornithological tumblererrsssres will make the decisions).

WEEK 1 - Steller's Jay

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), family Corvidae, order Passeriformes

Found in southern Alaska, western US and Canada, and much of Mexico, south to Nicaragua

Usually occurs in forested areas with coniferous trees.

Blue body with black head, but extremely varied in other markings across its extensive range.

As with many jays, loud and harsh calls. (listen here)

Bold, often approaching yards and parks.

In the same genus as the Blue Jay, found in the Eastern US and Canada.

Monogamous.

The official provincial bird of British Colombia.

Feed mainly on nuts and fruits, but about 1/3 of the diet is small animals and eggs.

an old one but i still want to post it so..