A LIST Olr THE BIRDS OF JAMAICA, 

 By Oviram Bangs and Frederic H. Kennard. 



Museum of Comparative Zoology, Cambridge, Mass., 



December 19th, 1919. 

 . -r. Frank Cundall, 



The Institute of Jamaica, 



Kingston, Jamaica, B.W.I. 

 Dear Sir, 

 I take pleasure in submitting herewith a list ol the birds of Jamaica compiled by Outram 

 Bangs, of the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Cambridge, Mass., and myself. 



While I, of course, helpsd in some of the minor drudgery necessary in checking up 

 rafersnoea, synonyms, etc., the list would have been impossible, owing to my compara- 

 tively limited knowledge of Jamaican birds, but for the work of Mr. Bangs and his wide 

 knowledge of Antillean avifauna; and to him belongs whatever of credit may be due. 



Yours very truly, 



Fbedebic H. Kbnnabd. 



INTRODUCTION. 



In view oi the many changes that have taken place in ornithological nomenclature, as 

 woU as in subspecific distribution, since the publication of Sclater's "Revised List of the 

 Birds of Jamaica" in the Handbook of Jamaica for 1910, and in view of the number of 

 species known to occyr in the island, but not included therein, it has seemed to the 

 writers that a new Mst of the birds of Jamaica might be welcome. 



The following is necessarily largely a comj.ilation, based on the lists oi Gosse, Sclater, 

 March, Alfred and Edwaid Newton, Coiy, W. E. D. Scott, and Dr. George W. Field; 

 with such additions as we have been able to make from our own knowledge of Antillean 

 birds and their distribution, and a study of the collections in the Museum of Comparative 

 Zoology at Cambridge, Mass. 



Avoiding what seems to us needless i-epetition o( the synonymy and refeiences con- 

 tained in Sclater's list, we have endeavored to bring the nomenclature as nearly up to date 

 as the I resent constant changes permit; and have used the systematic sequence adopted 

 byRidgeway in The Birds aj North and Middle America. In order to be consistent, 

 while not entirely agreeing in the matter, we have followed Ridgway in his, what appears 

 to us, exccssi^ e division of the older genera into very small, often monotypic, groups. 



Doubtful records, and obvious escapes fiom capti-vity, we include in place, but enclose 

 in brackets. Introduced but thoroughly natur^zed species are listed like native species, 

 attention being called to the fact in the accompanying notes. 



The brief notes as to the abundance and distribution of resident species, we offer with 

 considerable hesitation. 



Owing to the shortness of our own \isits to the Island, in 1907 and 1918 respectively, 

 and the lack of recent observers there, our data Regarding the many changes in the avi- 

 fauna — most of them resultant upon the disastrous introduction of the Mongoose — ^are 

 regrettably imreifect. 



LIST. 



COLrMBIDAD. 



Grebes. 

 Colymbm dominicus dominicus. Linne. White-winged Grebe; Diver; Little Grebe. 



The West Indian form of the Little Grebe is common in Jamaica, where it is resident. 

 While it sometimes frequents the rivers, it is usually to be seen in small ponds, even the 

 smallest — ^mere puddles — apparently suiting its needs. 



PodUymhus podiceps. (Linne). Pied-billed Giebe 



]ii Jamaica, as in most of the West Indies, the Pied-bilied Grebe is resident and 



breeds. In our experience it is, however, decidedly less common than the Little Grebe, 



At one ti^p feangs separated the West Indian form as PodiLymhus podiceps antil- 



larum, but we now, with much more breeding material available, believe that there is 



little or nq difference between West Indian and North American specimeng. 



