Several species on one plate
1,072 relationshipsThis plate depicts more than one taxon. Each bird is traced separately so that one identification is not made to stand for the whole artwork.
Taxonomy
Historical names, current taxonomy, and the evidence between them
Each plate is recorded with the identification published alongside it, then reconciled with current taxonomy where the available evidence supports a secure relationship.
Historical identification
Scientific and common names are transcribed from the source, including obsolete combinations, historical spellings and names no longer recognised in current taxonomic lists. These names record the identification applied at the time of publication and are retained as source evidence.
Taxonomic interpretation
Historical names do not always correspond directly with current taxa. A historical concept may encompass several taxa now recognised separately, represent forms later combined, correspond to a different taxonomic rank, or require interpretation from locality, associated text or nomenclatural history.
These relationships are recorded explicitly rather than treated uniformly as synonymy.
Current placement
Current names and ranks follow AviList 2025. Where the available plate, caption, locality or nomenclatural evidence does not support a secure current identification, the record remains unresolved or is assigned an appropriate confidence level.
Reading the records
Relationship types
Relationship labels describe how a historical identification corresponds with current taxonomic treatment.
Name changed; taxon retained
939 relationshipsThe historical and current names refer to the same accepted taxon. The connection does not require a split, lump or change of rank.
Now treated at subspecies rank
268 relationshipsThe historical name connects to a presently accepted subspecies within a broader species account. Current services may therefore catalogue it at either rank.
Identification unresolved
208 relationshipsThe artwork is accounted for, but the available caption, index and contextual evidence do not support a secure taxonomic identification. No current name has been inferred.
Historical concept later split
22 relationshipsThe historical name covered a broader group than the name does today. Evidence from the plate, text or locality is needed to connect it to each current species shown here.
Beyond the reference collection
20 relationshipsThe bird lies beyond the geographic scope of the original reference collection. Its historical identification can still be compared with current taxonomy and is retained here as part of the illustrated work.
Hybrid interpretation
8 relationshipsThe historical bird is interpreted through a possible hybrid relationship. The named parent taxon is shown as part of that interpretation, not as a simple renaming.
Historical colour form
4 relationshipsThe source treated a colour form as taxonomically meaningful. Current classification places that form within a more broadly defined accepted taxon.
Historical concepts later combined
1 relationshipBirds once treated under separate names are now included within one accepted taxon. The record preserves the older distinction while showing the current placement.
Evidence
Evidence and confidence
The identification process begins with the plate and its published record. Volume text, indexes and related source material are used where captions are abbreviated, damaged or ambiguous. Locality evidence and taxonomic literature are then used to establish the relationship between historical usage and current taxonomy.
Each artwork record links the evidence used to support its identification.
Confidence refers to the strength of that taxonomic connection. High indicates a direct and well-supported relationship. Medium indicates that some interpretation is required. Evidence limited indicates that the available material does not support a stronger conclusion.