What's in a Name?

You have heard me mention the Swainson's Warbler and Swainson's Thrush. Who was Swainson? William Swainson was a 19th Century British naturalist and illustrator. Because of his contributions to science, a number of other naturalists and ornithologists honored him by naming several new species after him. In addition to the thrush and warbler, there is also a Swainson's Hawk.

Another name you see frequently is Wilson. Alexander Wilson is regarded as the first American ornithologist, and he has 5 species named after him; Wilson's Warbler, Wilson's Snipe, Wilson's Plover, Wilson's Phalarope, and Wilson's Storm-petrel. See how many other birds you can find that are named after people.