Provisional classifications v standard avian sequences: heuristics and communication in ornithology

The past decades have been exciting ones for ornithologists interested in avian macrosystematics with many new ideas being proposed for consideration and further study. But this excitement should not blind ornithologists to the important distinction between the provisional classifications proposed by specialists in macrosystematics, no matter how convincing they may appear at first glance, and the standard sequence needed to maintain optimal communication among all students of avian biologists. An excellent standard sequence for Recent birds exists in Peters' Check-list. We urge that all ornithologists, authors and editors use this sequence until the time arrives, as it undoubtedly will, when enough is known about avian relationships to permit agreement on a new and better standard sequence.

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