2 BIRDS OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA — PART 2 



To repeat in part detail included in the introduction of the first 

 volume, the account of each family begins with a brief general state- 

 ment, followed by a key to identify the species known in Panama, 

 intended in the main to be used with specimens in hand. Arrangement 

 in these keys is based on restrictive characters, and in its order is not 

 intended to indicate relationship. The lineal order that the families 

 follow is that in my last revision of the Classification for the Birds 

 of the World (Smithsonian Misc. Coll., vol. 139, no. 11, June 23, 

 1960, pp. 1-37). References to literature cited throughout the text, 

 given in parentheses, are condensed but are sufficiently complete for 

 consultation if required. 



The account for each species begins with the scientific name, its 

 reference, and vernacular names in English and in Spanish. These 

 are followed by a brief sentence on outstanding characters that may 

 assist in recognition. Where two or more subspecies are found in 

 Panama, general information that applies to all is covered following 

 a species heading. The subspecies follow, each with its scientific name 

 and reference, a statement of the characters that separate it from its 

 fellows, measurements, range in the Republic, and other pertinent data. 

 If the nominate race is included among these, reference to the scien- 

 tific name is given under it. Where this form does not reach Panama 

 the species heading carries this reference. In variable species of wide 

 range, where only one race is found, the information is given under 

 that single heading. Vernacular names, both in English and Spanish, 

 apply to the species as a whole, not to any one subspecies if more than 

 one is present. Much thought has been given to vernacular names, 

 particularly those that have been long in use in standard works that 

 cover the Isthmus. This in some cases has involved choice since in 

 wide-ranging species some populations that have been regarded as dis- 

 tinct, so that each has had its separate vernacular name, now are called 

 geographic races. In the case of migrants from the north the names 

 used are those of the official A.O.U. Check-list (Check-list of North 

 American Birds, fifth edition, 1957). With others, especially with 

 tropical residents of wide distribution, names in some have varied so 

 that choice has been necessary. Attempt has been made to select the 

 name most often, or most widely, used as the one appropriate. In this 

 the names suggested by Eugene Eisenmann in his Species of Middle 

 American Birds (Trans. Linn. Soc. New York, vol. 7, 1955), and 

 the more recent work by R. M. de Schauensee, Species of Birds of 

 South America and Their Distribution (Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, 

 1966) have been helpful and valuable. 



With the Spanish names, where the bird is one known to Pana- 



