[Birdtalk] brd abrvtns?

[tanager at timaverybirding.com]

Hi Doug, 

The abbreviations are called aloha codes, a standard set of 4 letters used mostly in study and research for quick and easy reference. They are used widely in banding and fieldwork. 

Typically if a bird has two names, like House Sparrow, the abbreviation is the first two letters of each name, so HOSP.  Three parts to a name like White-crowned Sparrow and the abbreviation is usually the first letter of the each of the first two parts and the first two letters of the last, WCSP. 

There are of course a number of species that this caused problems for such as Trumpeter Swan and Tree Sparrow, or Black-throated Gray and Black-throated Green Warbler among others.  In this case then the aloha codes use 2nd letters etc to be unique. 

Although using abbreviations is helpful I would recommend that in emails to the list the proper name is mentioned at least first before using an alpha code to talk about a bird.  Every once in a while I slip one into an email subject line when I list a number of birds, but I try to then mention the name in the email for those unfamiliar with the codes.

If you want a list, go to google and try a search for north american bird aloha codes and you can probably find a list. 

Take it easy. 

Tim 

------Original Message------
From: Doug Roberts
Sender: birdtalk-bounces at utahbirds.org
To: Utah Birds
Subject: [Birdtalk] brd abrvtns?
Sent: Dec 18, 2008 9:39 PM

Hi,
I've noticed some birders use a set of bird abbreviations. Is there a standard set? Where on the web would I see those?
Thanks,
Doug



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