THE FOSSIL BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA 



In the following list allocation of the various species follows 

 the latest information available, from published observations or 

 from personal investigation of the compiler. Present treatment 

 in a number of cases is not considered final, particularly among the 

 forms longest known, but it has not been practicable in the time 

 available to review all of the material under consideration. 



An innovation in the present list over that in previous editions 

 is the inclusion of species still living whose remains have been 

 found fossil in the Pleistocene, these being distinguished from 

 those known only in a fossil state by the common name following 

 the Latin designation, and by a suitable phrase in the range. Most 

 of these have been placed under specific names without regard to 

 subspecies, since, aside from a few instances, it is not practicable at 

 present to identify their geographic races except on the basis of 

 modern distribution, a method of procedure of doubtful value since 

 it might lead to confusion and misunderstanding. It will be re- 

 membered in examining these recent forms that the specific name 

 has been used in its inclusive sense so that with such birds as Cor- 

 vus corax, for example, there is no intention to indicate that the Old 

 World Raven has been recorded from North America. In some in- 

 stances, for example, the Ruffed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus, found in 

 Pleistocene deposits in Pennsylvania, Maryland and California 

 there is little doubt that two geographic forms are included. 



Proofs of this list have been examined and checked by Dr. 

 Loye Miller, and Dr. Hildegarde Howard. 



The list has been made complete so far as present information 

 allows to June, 1931. 



A. Wetmore. 



27 40X 



