NOTAS SISTEMATICAS SOBRE AVES MEXICANAS. I.

Resumen

Studies of the taxonomy, nomenclature, and in several cases migrations, of Mexican birds have led to conclusions more or less at variance with current concepts. In several cases it is believed that too many species are recognized, but Ridgway and Griscom were correct in recognizing Catharus frantzii as a species distinct from C. occidentalis. Several subspecies are revived, renamed, or proposed, particularly in the Hermit Thrush, Catharus guttatus, but a full revision is impossible without much more late August and early September material from the breeding grounds. Many areas are still unrepresented by taxonomically useful specimens.
It is urged that the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature start to enforce Article 25c by officially banning several names in Catharus ("Hylocichla"), Anthus, and Geothlypis, in order to improve the quality of zoological literature.
The type localities of Phaethornis superciliosus mexicanus, Dendrocopos stricklandi fraterculus, Catharus guttatus nanus, Hesperiphona vespertina montana, Pipilo erythrophthalmus torquatus, and Junco hyemalis cismontanus are discussed or restricted. Certain currently recognized subspecies in Cypseloides (or Chaetura) rutilus, Mimus polyglottos, Catharus guttatus, Geothlypis trichas, Pipilo erythrophthalmus, and various Troglodytidae are considered probably or certainly invalid, while in other cases a valid race must take an earlier name. The migrations of Cypseloides, Mimus, Catharus guttatus, and Junco "oreganus" are mentioned or discussed, as well as the recent expansion of the breeding range of the Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea cyanea.