the rare species and new latilong records. Conversion to quarter latilongs and a 

 commitment to continually update Montana Bird Distribution (MBD) requires a 

 fundamental change in the way Montana birders list and submit their observations. For 

 the effort to succeed, all species, common and rare alike, must be recorded for each 

 QLL during each revision period. 



Taxonomic changes and subspecies 



All species names and taxonomic revisions follow the American Ornithologist's Union 

 (AOU) Checklist of North American Birds, 6th edition (AGU 1983), as amended by the 

 35th through the 38th supplements (AOU 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991). The AOU has 

 made several taxonomic revisions since the MBD Third Edition. These changes are 

 reflected in the species lists and maps, where appropriate. 



In consultation with the verification committee, we identified 5 species for which 

 enhanced data collection for subspecies distribution is warranted. In some cases this 

 is to provide better information for future taxonomic assignments. In others, it is simply 

 of interest to maintain the geographic distinctions between taxa. The species names 

 and maps do not display these subspecific ranges, but we are recording and 

 maintaining records in the databases at the subspecific level. We request that 

 contributors submit records for these species at the subspecies level, whenever 

 possible. 



Species for which information is kept on subspecies, races, or forms include: 

 Northern Flicker Northern Oriole 



Red-shafted Flicker Bullock's Oriole 



Yellow-shafted Flicker Baltimore Oriole 



Yellow-rumped Warbler Rosy Finch 



Audubon's Warbler Gray-crowned Rosy Finch 



Myrtle Warbler Gray-headed (Hepburns's) Rosy Finch 



Dark-eyed Junco Black Rosy Finch 



Slate-colored Junco 



Montana ("Oregon Junco") 

 . Pink-sided Junco 



White-winged Junco 



Gray-headed Junco 



Other Changes 



The first arrival dates for species were not included. There was no additional 

 information to update the Third Edition. We have the capacity to record and manage 

 information on arrival and departure dates for all species. We need several 

 contributors to record and submit this information from various regions in the state. 

 Please contact the editors at the Montana Natural Heritage Program for further 

 information. 



We have eliminated the "S" and "s" symbols for species documented by a specimen 

 or photograph. Specimen data and photograph records will be entered into the 

 database. Files for photographs, slides, or copies have been established. 



