General Provisions; Revised List of Migratory Birds, 9282-9314 [2010-3294]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 39 (Monday, March 1, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9282-9314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-3294]



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Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Parts 10 and 21



 General Provisions; Migratory Birds Revised List and Permits; Final 
Rules

Federal Register / Vol. 75 , No. 39 / Monday, March 1, 2010 / Rules 
and Regulations

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 10

[FWS-R9-MB-2007-0109;91200-1231-9BPP]
RIN 1018-AB72


General Provisions; Revised List of Migratory Birds

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, revise the List of 
Migratory Birds by both adding and removing numerous species. Reasons 
for the changes to the list include correcting previous mistakes 
including misspellings, adding species based on new evidence of 
occurrence in the United States or U.S. territories, removing species 
no longer known to occur within the United States, and changing names 
based on new taxonomy. The net increase of 175 species (186 added and 
11 removed) brings the total number of species protected by the 
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to 1007. We regulate most aspects of 
the taking, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, barter, 
exportation, and importation of migratory birds. An accurate and up-to-
date list of species protected by the MBTA is essential for regulatory 
purposes.

DATES: This rule is effective March 31, 2010.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Doyle, Wildlife Biologist, 
Division of Migratory Bird Management, at 703-358-1799.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

What Statutory Authority Does the Service Have for This Rulemaking?

    We have statutory authority and responsibility for enforcing the 
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (16 U.S.C. 703-711), the Fish and 
Wildlife Improvement Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 712), and the Fish and 
Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-j). The MBTA implements 
Conventions between the United States and four neighboring countries 
for the protection of migratory birds, as follows:
    (1) Canada: Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds, 
August 16, 1916, United States-Great Britain (on behalf of Canada), 39 
Stat. 1702, T.S. No. 628;
    (2) Mexico: Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and 
Game Mammals, February 7, 1936, United States-United Mexican States 
(Mexico), 50 Stat. 1311, T.S. No. 912;
    (3) Japan: Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and 
Birds in Danger of Extinction, and Their Environment, March 4, 1972, 
United States-Japan, 25 U.S.T. 3329, T.I.A.S. No. 7990; and
    (4) Russia: Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Birds and 
Their Environment, United States-Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 
(Russia), November 26, 1976, 92 Stat. 3110, T.I.A.S. 9073.

What Is the Purpose of This Rulemaking?

    Our purpose is to inform the public of the species protected by the 
MBTA and its implementing regulations. These regulations are found in 
Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 10, 20, and 21. We 
regulate most aspects of the taking, possession, transportation, sale, 
purchase, barter, exportation, and importation of migratory birds. An 
accurate and up-to-date list of species protected by the MBTA is 
essential for regulatory purposes.

Why Is This Amendment of the List of Migratory Birds Necessary?

    The amendment is needed to: (1) Add two species covered by the 
Japanese and Russian Conventions that were mistakenly omitted from 
previous lists; (2) add 29 species of accidental or casual occurrence 
documented prior to April 1985, but not included in prior lists; (3) 
add 65 species based on new distributional records documenting their 
occurrence in the United States since April 1985; (4) add 24 species 
that occur naturally in the United States only in Hawaii; (5) add 28 
species that occur naturally in the United States only in the Pacific 
island territories of American Samoa, Baker and Howland Islands, Guam, 
or the Northern Mariana Islands; (6) add 38 species newly recognized as 
a result of taxonomic changes; (7) remove 10 species not known to occur 
within the boundaries of the United States or its territories; (8) 
remove one species that is now treated as a subspecies; (9) change the 
common (English) names of 48 species to conform with accepted use; (10) 
change the scientific names of 66 species to conform with accepted use; 
(11) change the common and scientific names of seven species to conform 
with accepted use; (12) change the scientific names of four species in 
the alphabetical list to conform with accepted use and to correct 
inconsistencies between the alphabetical and taxonomic lists; (13) 
correct errors in the common (English) name of two species; (14) 
correct errors in the scientific names of three species in the 
taxonomic list; and (15) change the status of one taxon from protected 
subspecies to non-protected species (due to lack of natural occurrence 
in the United States or its territories). In accordance with the 
Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-447) (MBTRA), we 
also reaffirm our determination of March 15, 2005 (70 FR 12710), that 
the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor), which was never formally listed in 50 CFR 
10.13 but was briefly treated as protected by the MBTA as the result of 
a court order (Hill v. Norton, 275 F.3d 98 (D.C. Cir. 2001)), is no 
longer afforded protection because it is nonnative and human-
introduced. See Fund for Animals v. Norton, 374 F. Supp. 2d 91 (D. D.C. 
2005, denying injunction because of the clear language of the MBTRA). 
The District Court's judgment was later affirmed on appeal (Fund for 
Animals v. Kempthorne, 472 F.3d 872, D.C. Cir. 2006).
    The List of Migratory Birds (50 CFR 10.13) was last revised on 
April 5, 1985 (50 FR 13710). In a proposed rule published May 9, 1995 
(60 FR 24686), we suggested updating the List of Migratory Birds by 
adding 20 species, removing 1 species, and revising the common 
(English) or scientific names of 23 previously listed species to 
conform to the most recent nomenclature. The proposed amendments were 
necessitated by five published supplements to the 6th (1983) edition of 
the American Ornithologists' Union's (AOU's) Check-list of North 
American birds. Knowing that additional amendments would be necessary 
following the anticipated publication of a 7th edition of the Check-
list, we elected to delay publication of a final rule until after the 
appearance of the revised Check-list. The 1995 proposed rule generated 
just two public comments, from the American Ornithologists' Union and 
the Association of Scientific Collections. The comments of those 
organizations, mostly editorial in nature, are reflected in this 
document, as appropriate.
    Following publication of the 7th edition of the Check-list in July 
1998, administrative workloads and staff shortages prevented work on a 
final rule until September 2000. A followup proposed rule was deemed 
necessary because of the five-year delay since publication of the 
initial proposed rule, and the many new changes necessitated by the 7th 
edition of the Check-list. In a second proposed rule published October 
12, 2001 (66 FR 52282), we suggested adding 30 species, removing one 
species, and revising the common

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(English) or scientific names of 78 previously-listed species to 
conform to accepted use.
    Of the 116 letters received on the proposed rule of October 12, 
2001, 109 dealt solely with the presumed protective status of the Mute 
Swan (Cygnus olor) under the MBTA. Of the remaining seven letters, 
three provided comments of a general nature (including recommendations 
for adding or deleting certain species); two expressed general support 
without offering specific comments; one questioned the legality of 
extending MBTA protection to species that do not cross State or 
international boundaries; and one expressed concern about the harvest 
of MBTA-protected shorebirds in the Caribbean. These comments remain 
part of the public record and were incorporated, as appropriate, into 
this final rule.
    Because of the delay since publication of the 2001 proposed rule, 
plus the many new changes necessitated by six published supplements 
(AOU 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) to the 7th edition of the 
Check-list, we published a third proposed rule on August 24, 2006 (71 
FR 50194). This allowed the public to review and comment on all of the 
desired changes that have come to light since publication of the 1995 
and 2001 proposed rules. In addition, this final rule incorporates the 
changes in the AOU supplement published in 2007.

What Scientific Authorities Are Used To Amend the List of Migratory 
Birds?

    Although bird names (common and scientific) are relatively stable, 
staying current with standardized use is necessary to avoid confusion 
in communications. In making our determinations, we primarily relied on 
the American Ornithologists' Union's Check-list of North American birds 
(AOU 1998), as amended (AOU 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 
and 2007), on matters of taxonomy, nomenclature, and the sequence of 
species and other higher taxonomic categories (orders, families, 
subfamilies) for species that occur in North America. For the few 
species that occur outside the geographic area covered by the Check-
list, we relied primarily on Monroe and Sibley (1993). Though we 
primarily rely on the above checklists, when informed taxonomic opinion 
is inconsistent or controversial, we evaluate available published and 
unpublished information and come to our own conclusion regarding the 
validity of taxa.

What Criteria Are Used To Identify Individual Species Protected by the 
MBTA?

    A species qualifies for protection under the MBTA by meeting one or 
more of the following four criteria:
    (1) It is a species covered by the Canadian Convention of 1916, as 
amended in 1996, by virtue of meeting the following three criteria: (a) 
It belongs to a family or group of species named in the Canadian 
Convention, as amended; (b) specimens, photographs, videotape 
recordings, or audiotape recordings provide convincing evidence of 
natural occurrence in the United States or its territories; and (c) the 
documentation of such records has been recognized by the AOU or other 
competent scientific authorities.
    (2) It is a species covered by the Mexican Convention of 1936, as 
amended in 1972, by virtue of meeting the following three criteria: It 
(a) belongs to a family or group of species named in the Mexican 
Convention, as amended; (b) specimens, photographs, videotape 
recordings, or audiotape recordings provide convincing evidence of 
natural occurrence in the United States or its territories; and (c) the 
documentation of such records has been recognized by the AOU or other 
competent scientific authorities.
    (3) It is a species listed in the annex to the Japanese Convention 
of 1972, as amended.
    (4) It is a species listed in the appendix to the Russian 
Convention of 1976.
    In accordance with the MBTRA, we have not listed species whose 
occurrences in the United States are solely the result of intentional 
or unintentional human-assisted introduction(s). We hereby adopt the 
definition of ``human-assisted introduction'' as used in the notice 
implementing the MBTRA (70 FR 12710): ``An intentional introduction is 
one that was purposeful--for example, the person(s) or institution(s) 
involved intended for it to happen. An unintentional introduction is 
one that was unforeseen or unintended, for example, the establishment 
of self-sustaining populations following repeated escapes from captive 
facilities.''

How Do the Scientific Names Used Here Compare to Those That Appear in 
the Japanese and Russian Conventions?

    The Japanese and Russian Conventions list individual species of 
birds that are covered. For 37 of these species, the scientific (genus 
or species) name currently recognized by scientific authorities (AOU 
1998, 1999; Monroe and Sibley 1993) differs from that which appears in 
the Conventions. The following cross-reference provides a linkage 
between the scientific names used in this list and those that appear in 
the annex to the Japanese Convention and the appendix to the Russian 
Convention. The first name is the modern equivalent proposed here, and 
the second name is that which appears in one or both of the 
Conventions. These changes modernize the regulatory list without 
revising either the Japanese or the Russian Convention (indicated by J 
and R, respectively):

Accipiter gularis (Japanese Sparrowhawk) is listed as Accipiter 
virgatus (J & R);
Actitis hypoleucos (Common Sandpiper) is listed as Tringa hypoleucos (J 
& R);
Aethia psittacula (Parakeet Auklet) is listed as Cyclorrhynchus 
psittacula (R);
Anas americana (American Wigeon) is listed as Mareca americana (J);
Anas clypeata (Northern Shoveler) is listed as Spatula clypeata (J);
Anas penelope (Eurasian Wigeon) is listed as Mareca penelope (J);
Anous minutus (Black Noddy) is listed as Anous tenuirostris (J);
Anthus rubescens (American Pipit) is listed as Anthus spinoletta (J & 
R);
Branta bernicla (Brant) incorporates Branta nigricans (R);
Calidris alba (Sanderling) is listed as Crocethia alba (J);
Calidris subminuta (Long-toed Stint) is listed as part of Calidris 
minutilla (J);
Carduelis flammea (Common Redpoll) is listed as Acanthis flammea (J);
Carduelis hornemanni (Hoary Redpoll) is included as part of Carduelis 
flammea (J), and is listed as Acanthis hornemanni (R);
Charadrius morinellus (Eurasian Dotterel) is listed as Eudromias 
morinellus (J & R);
Chen caerulescens (Snow Goose) is listed as Anser caerulescens (J);
Chen canagica (Emperor Goose) is listed as Anser canagicus (J), and 
Philacte canagica (R);
Cygnus columbianus (Tundra Swan) incorporates Cygnus bewickii (R);
Egretta sacra (Pacific Reef-Egret) is listed as Demigretta sacra (J);
Ficedula narcissina (Narcissus Flycatcher) is listed as Muscicapa 
narcissina (J);
Fratercula cirrhata (Tufted Puffin) is listed as Lunda cirrhata (J & 
R);
Gallinago gallinago (Common Snipe) is listed as Capella gallinago (R);
Gallinago megala (Swinhoe's Snipe) is listed as Capella megala (R);
Gallinago stenura (Pin-tailed Snipe) is listed as Capella stenura (R);

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Heteroscelus brevipes (Gray-tailed Tattler) is included as part of 
Tringa incana (J);
Heteroscelus incanus (Wandering Tattler) is listed as Tringa incana 
(J);
Luscinia calliope (Siberian Rubythroat) is listed as Erithacus calliope 
(J);
Melanitta fusca (White-winged Scoter) incorporates Melanitta deglandi 
(J);
Mergellus albellus (Smew) is listed as Mergus albellus (J & R);
Milvus migrans (Black Kite) is listed as Milvus korschun (R);
Numenius borealis (Eskimo Curlew) is included as part of Numenius 
minutus (J);
Phalaropus lobatus (Red-necked Phalarope) is listed as Lobipes lobatus 
(R);
Phoebastria albatrus (Short-tailed Albatross) is listed as Diomedea 
albatrus (J & R);
Phoebastria immutabilis (Laysan Albatross) is listed as Diomedea 
immutabilis (J & R);
Phoebastria nigripes (Black-footed Albatross) is listed as Diomedea 
nigripes (J & R);
Pterodroma hypoleuca (Bonin Petrel) is listed as Pterodroma leucoptera 
(R);
Tachycineta bicolor (Tree Swallow) is listed as Iridoprocne bicolor 
(R); and
Turdus obscurus (Eyebrowed Thrush) is listed as Turdus pallidus (R).

How Do the Changes Affect the List of Migratory Birds?

    The amendments (186 additions, 11 removals, 121 name changes, and 9 
corrections) affect a grand total of 327 species and result in a net 
addition of 175 species to the List of Migratory Birds, increasing the 
species total from 832 to 1007. Of the 175 species that we add to the 
list, 38 were previously covered under the MBTA as subspecies of listed 
species. These amendments can be logically arranged in the following 15 
categories:
    (1) Add two species that are included in the Appendix of the 
Russian Convention and in the Annex to the Japanese Convention, 
respectively; the omission of these species in previous lists was an 
oversight. These species also qualify for protection under the Canadian 
and Mexican Conventions as members of the families Anatidae and 
Laridae, respectively:

Duck, Spot-billed, Anas poecilorhyncha; and
Gull, Black-tailed, Larus crassirostris.

    (2) Add 29 species based on review and acceptance by AOU (prior to 
April 1985) of distributional records documenting their occurrence in 
the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. These 
species belong to families covered by the Canadian and/or Mexican 
Conventions. They were excluded from the 1985 list because their 
occurrence was viewed as accidental or casual, a criterion no longer 
viewed as inconsistent with the MBTA or its underlying Conventions. A 
species of accidental or casual occurrence is one whose normal range is 
far enough removed from the United States as to make regular occurrence 
unlikely or improbable (AOU 1983). For each species, we list the 
State(s) in which it has been recorded plus the relevant AOU 
publication(s):

Albatross, Shy, Thalassarche cauta--Washington (AOU 1982, 1983, 1997, 
1998);
Albatross, Wandering, Diomedea exulans--California (AOU 1982, 1983, 
1998);
Bunting, Blue, Cyanocompsa parellina--Louisiana, Texas (AOU 1982, 1983, 
1998);
Bunting, Gray, Emberiza variabilis--Alaska (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Bunting, Little, Emberiza pusilla--Alaska (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Chaffinch, Common, Fringilla coelebs--Maine to Massachusetts (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Crake, Paint-billed, Neocrex erythrops--Texas, Virginia (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Curlew, Eurasian, Numenius arquata--Massachusetts, New York (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Flycatcher, La Sagra's, Myiarchus sagrae--Alabama, Florida (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Flycatcher, Variegated, Empidonomus varius--Maine, Tennessee (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Gull, Belcher's, Larus belcheri--Florida (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998, 2003);
Hawk, Roadside, Buteo magnirostis--Texas (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Hummingbird, Bumblebee, Atthis heloisa--Arizona (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Martin, Southern, Progne elegans--Florida (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Mockingbird, Bahama, Mimus gundlachii--Florida (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Petrel, Black-winged, Pterodroma nigripennis--Hawaii (AOU 1982, 1983, 
1998);
Petrel, Jouanin's, Bulweria fallax--Hawaii (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Pewee, Hispaniolan, Contopus hispaniolensis--Puerto Rico (AOU 1983, 
1995, 1998);
Pipit, Tree, Anthus trivialis--Alaska (AOU 1982, 1983, 1995);
Rail, Spotted, Pardirallus maculatus--Pennsylvania, Texas (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Scops-Owl, Oriental, Otus sunia--Alaska (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998);
Shearwater, Streaked, Calonectris leucomelas--California (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Shrike, Brown, Lanius cristatus--Alaska, California (AOU 1982, 1983, 
1998);
Swift, Short-tailed, Chaetura brachyura--U.S. Virgin Islands (AOU 1983, 
1998);
Tern, Large-billed, Phaetusa simplex--Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio (AOU 
1983, 1998);
Vireo, Thick-billed, Vireo crassirostris--Florida (AOU 1983, 1998);
Warbler, Dusky, Phylloscopus fuscatus--Alaska, California (AOU 1982, 
1983, 1998);
Warbler, Fan-tailed, Euthlypis lachrymosa--Arizona (AOU 1982, 1983, 
1998); and
Warbler, Wood, Phylloscopus sibilatrix--Alaska (AOU 1982, 1983, 1998).

    (3) Add 65 species based on review and acceptance by AOU (since 
April 1985) of new distributional records documenting their occurrence 
in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. These 
species belong to families covered by the Canadian and/or Mexican 
Conventions and most are considered to be of accidental or casual 
occurrence. For each species, we list the State(s) in which it has been 
recorded plus the relevant publication(s):

Albatross, Black-browed, Thalassarche melanophris--Virginia (AOU 2002);
Albatross, Light-mantled, Phoebetria palpebrata--California (AOU 1997, 
1998);
Bluetail, Red-flanked, Tarsiger cyanurus--Alaska (AOU 1995, 1998);
Bunting, Pine, Emberiza leucocephalos--Alaska (AOU 1995, 1998);
Bunting, Yellow-breasted, Emberiza aureola--Alaska (AOU 1989, 1998);
Bunting, Yellow-throated, Emberiza elegans--Alaska (AOU 2000);
Carib, Purple-throated, Eulampis jugularis--U.S. Virgin Islands (AOU 
1998);
Catbird, Black, Melanoptila glabrirostris--Texas (AOU 1998);
Duck, Muscovy, Cairina moschata--Texas (AOU 1998);
Egret, Little, Egretta garzetta--Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Puerto 
Rico, Virginia (AOU 1998);
Elaenia, Greenish, Myiopagis viridicata--Texas (AOU 1989, 1998);
Falcon, Red-footed, Falco vespertinus--Massachusetts, (AOU 2007);
Flycatcher, Piratic, Legatus leucophalus--Florida, New Mexico, Texas 
(AOU 2002);

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Flycatcher, Social, Myiozetetes similis--Texas (AOU 2006);
Flycatcher, Tufted, Mitrephanes phaeocercus--Texas (AOU 1998);
Forest-Falcon, Collared, Micrastur semitorquatus--Texas (AOU 1998)
Frog-Hawk, Gray, Accipiter soloensis--Hawaii (AOU 1997, 1998);
Gallinule, Azure, Porphyrio flavirostris--New York (AOU 1991, 1998, 
2002);
Golden-Plover, European, Pluvialis apricaria--Alaska (Western Birds 
2001);
Goose, Lesser White-fronted, Anser erythropus--Alaska (AOU 1995, 1998);
Gull, Gray-hooded, Larus cirrocephalus--Florida (AOU 2002);
Gull, Kelp, Larus dominicanus--Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Texas (AOU 
2002);
Gull, Yellow-legged, Larus michahellis (=cachinnans)--Maryland (AOU 
1993, 1998, 2007);
Hawk, Crane, Geranospiza caerulescens--Texas (AOU 1998);
Hobby, Eurasian, Falco subbuteo--Alaska (AOU 1985, 1995, 1998);
Hummingbird, Cinnamon, Amazilia rutila--Arizona, New Mexico (AOU 1998);
Hummingbird, Xantus's, Hylocharis xantusii--California (AOU 1998);
Mango, Green-breasted, Anthracothorax prevostii--Texas (AOU 1998);
Martin, Brown-chested, Progne tapera--Massachusetts (AOU 1985, 1995, 
1998);
Mockingbird, Blue, Melanotis caerulescens--Arizona, Texas (AOU 1998);
Nightingale-Thrush, Black-headed, Catharus mexicanus--Texas (AOU 2006);
Nightingale-Thrush, Orange-billed, Catharus aurantiirostris--Texas (AOU 
2002);
Owl, Mottled, Ciccaba virgata--Texas (AOU 1989, 1998);
Owl, Stygian, Asio stygius--Texas (AOU 2002);
Petrel, Bermuda, Pterodroma cahow--North Carolina (AOU 1998);
Petrel, Great-winged, Pterodroma macroptera--California (AOU 2004);
Petrel, Stejneger's, Pterodroma longirostris--California, Hawaii (AOU 
1989, 1998);
Pewee, Cuban, Contopus caribaeus--Florida (AOU 2004);
Plover, Collared, Charadrius collaris--Texas (AOU 1998);
Pond-Heron, Chinese, Ardeola bacchus--Alaska (AOU 2000);
Reef-Heron, Western, Egretta gularis--Massachusetts (AOU 1985, 1998);
Robin, Siberian Blue, Luscinia cyane--Alaska (AOU 1987, 1998);
Robin, White-throated, Turdus assimilis--Texas (AOU 1998);
Sandpiper, Green, Tringa ochropus--Alaska (AOU 1985, 1998);
Shearwater, Cape Verde, Calonectris edwardsii--North Carolina (AOU 
2006);
Silky-flycatcher, Gray, Ptilogonys cinereus--Texas (AOU 1998);
Siskin, Eurasian, Carduelis spinus--Alaska (AOU 1995, 1998);
Stilt, Black-winged, Himantopus himantopus--Alaska (AOU 1985, 1998);
Stonechat, Saxicola torquatus--Alaska (AOU 1987, 1998, 2004);
Storm-Petrel, Black-bellied Fregetta tropica--North Carolina (AOU 
2006);
Storm-Petrel, Ringed, Oceanodroma hornbyi--California (AOU 2007);
Swallow, Mangrove, Tachycineta albilinea--Florida (AOU 2005);
Swift, Alpine, Apus melba--Puerto Rico (AOU 1998);
Tanager, Flame-colored, Piranga bidentata--Arizona, Texas (AOU 1987, 
1998);
Tern, Great Crested, Thalasseus bergii--Hawaii (AOU 1991, 1998, 2006);
Tern, Whiskered, Chlidonias hybrida--Delaware, New Jersey (AOU 1997, 
1998, 2003);
Tityra, Masked, Tityra semifasciata--Texas (AOU 1998);
Turtle-Dove, Oriental, Streptopelia orientalis--Alaska (AOU 1991, 
1998);
Vireo, Yucatan, Vireo magister--Texas (AOU 1987, 1998);
Wagtail, Citrine, Motacilla citreola--Alabama (AOU 1995, 1998);
Warbler, Crescent-chested, Parula superciliosa--Arizona (AOU 1987, 
1998);
Warbler, Lanceolated, Locustella lanceolata--Alaska, California (AOU 
1985, 1998);
Warbler, Yellow-browed, Phylloscopus inornatus--Alaska (AOU 2002);
Whitethroat, Lesser, Sylvia curruca--Alaska (AOU 2004); and
Woodpecker, Great Spotted, Dendrocopos major--Alaska (AOU 1987, 1998).

    (4) Add 24 species that belong to families covered by the Canadian 
and/or Mexican Conventions, but occur naturally in the United States 
only in Hawaii:

Akekee, Loxops caeruleirostris
Akepa, Loxops coccineus
Akialoa, Greater, Hemignathus ellisianus
Akiapolaau, Hemignathus munroi
Akikiki, Oreomystis bairdi
Akohekohe, Palmeria dolei
Alauahio, Maui, Paroreomyza montana
Alauahio, Oahu, Paroreomyza maculata
Amakihi, Hawaii, Hemignathus virens
Amakihi, Kauai, Hemignathus kauaiensis
Amakihi, Oahu, Hemignathus flavus
Anianiau, Magumma parva
Apapane, Himatione sanguinea
Creeper, Hawaii, Oreomystis mana
Finch, Laysan, Telespiza cantans
Finch, Nihoa, Telespiza ultima
Iiwi, Vestiaria coccinea
Kakawahie, Paroreomyza flammea
Millerbird, Acrocephalus familiaris
Nukupuu, Hemignathus lucidus
Ou, Psittirostra psittacea
Palila, Loxioides bailleui
Parrotbill, Maui, Pseudonestor xanthophrys
Poo-uli, Melamprosops phaeosoma

    (5) Add 28 species that belong to families covered by the Canadian 
and/or Mexican Conventions, but occur naturally in the United States 
only in the Pacific island territories of American Samoa, Baker and 
Howland Islands, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands (Pratt et al. 
1987). We also list the territory or territories in which each species 
is known to occur:

Bittern, Black, Ixobrychus flavicollis (Guam);
Cormorant, Little Pied, Phalacrocorax melanoleucos (Northern Marianas);
Crake, Spotless, Porzana tabuensis (American Samoa);
Crow, Mariana, Corvus kubaryi (Guam, Northern Marianas);
Duck, Pacific Black, Anas superciliosa (American Samoa);
Fruit-Dove, Crimson-crowned, Ptilinopus porphyraceus (American Samoa);
Fruit-Dove, Many-colored, Ptilinopus perousii (American Samoa);
Fruit-Dove, Mariana, Ptilinopus roseicapilla (Guam, Northern Marianas);
Greenshank, Nordmann's, Tringa guttifer (Guam);
Ground-Dove, Friendly, Gallicolumba stairi (American Samoa);
Ground-Dove, White-throated, Gallicolumba xanthonura (Guam, Northern 
Marianas);
Heron, Gray, Ardea cinerea (Northern Marianas);
Imperial-Pigeon, Pacific, Ducula pacifica (American Samoa);
Kingfisher, Collared, Todirhamphus chloris (American Samoa, Northern 
Marianas);
Kingfisher, Micronesian, Todirhamphus cinnamominus (Guam);
Oystercatcher, Eurasian, Haematopus ostralegus (Guam);
Petrel, Gould's, Pterodroma leucoptera (American Samoa);
Petrel, Phoenix, Pterodroma alba (Baker and Howland Islands);
Petrel, Tahiti, Pterodroma rostrata (American Samoa);

[[Page 9286]]

Rail, Buff-banded, Gallirallus philippensis (American Samoa);
Rail, Guam, Gallirallus owstoni (Guam);
Reed-Warbler, Nightingale, Acrocephalus luscinia (Northern Marianas, 
formerly Guam);
Storm-Petrel, Matsudaira's, Oceanodroma matsudairae (Guam, Northern 
Marianas);
Storm-Petrel, Polynesian, Nesofregata fuliginosa (American Samoa);
Storm-Petrel, White-bellied, Fregetta grallaria (American Samoa);
Swamphen, Purple, Porphyrio porphyrio (American Samoa);
Swiftlet, Mariana, Aerodramus bartschi (Guam, Northern Marianas); and
Swiftlet, White-rumped, Aerodramus spodiopygius (American Samoa).

    (6) Add 38 species because of recent taxonomic changes in which 
taxa formerly treated as subspecies have been determined to be distinct 
species. Given that each of these species was formerly treated as 
subspecies of a listed species, these additions will not change the 
protective status of any of these taxa, only the names by which they 
are known. In each case, we reference the AOU publication(s) supporting 
the change:

Bean-Goose, Tundra, Anser serrirostris (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Anser fabalis, Taiga Bean-Goose [=Bean Goose]) [AOU 2007];
Coot, Hawaiian, Fulica alai (formerly treated as subspecies of Fulica 
americana, American Coot) [AOU 1993, 1998];
Flicker, Gilded, Colaptes chrysoides (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Colaptes auratus, Northern Flicker) [AOU 1995, 1998];
Flycatcher, Cordilleran, Empidonax occidentalis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Empidonax difficilis, Western [=Pacific-slope] 
Flycatcher) [AOU 1989, 1998];
Gnatcatcher, California, Polioptila californica (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Polioptila melanura, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher) [AOU 1989, 
1998];
Golden-Plover, Pacific, Pluvialis fulva (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Pluvialis dominica, Lesser [=American] Golden-Plover) [AOU 1993, 
1998];
Grebe, Clark's, Aechmophorus clarkii (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Aechmophorus occidentalis, Western Grebe) [AOU 1985, 1998];
Heron, Green, Butorides virescens (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Butorides striatus, Green-backed [=Striated] Heron) [AOU 1993, 1998];
Kamao, Myadestes myadestinus (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Phaeornis obscurus, Hawaiian Thrush [=Omao]) [AOU 1985, 1998];
Kite, White-tailed, Elanus leucurus (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Elanus caeruleus, Black-shouldered Kite) ([AOU 1983, 1993, 1998]);
Loon, Pacific, Gavia pacifica (formerly treated as subspecies of Gavia 
arctica, Arctic Loon) [AOU 1985, 1998];
Magpie, Black-billed, Pica hudsonia (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Pica pica, Black-billed [=Eurasian] Magpie) [AOU 2000];
Murrelet, Long-billed, Brachyramphus perdix--formerly treated as a 
subspecies of Brachyramphus marmoratus, Marbled Murrelet (AOU 1997);
Olomao, Myadestes lanaiensis (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Phaeornis obscurus, Hawaiian Thrush [=Omao]) [AOU 1985, 1998];
Oriole, Bullock's, Icterus bullockii (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Icterus galbula, Northern [=Baltimore] Oriole) [AOU 1995, 1998];
Petrel, Hawaiian, Pterodroma sandwichensis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Pterodroma phaeopygia, Dark-rumped [=Galapagos] Petrel) 
[AOU 2002];
Petrel, White-necked, Pterodroma cervicalis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Pterodroma externa, White-necked [=Juan Fernandez] 
Petrel) [AOU 1991, 1998];
Pipit, American, Anthus rubescens (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Anthus spinoletta, Water Pipit (AOU 1989, 1998);
Rosy-Finch, Black, Leucosticte atrata (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Leucosticte arctoa, Rosy Finch) [AOU 1993, 1998];
Rosy-Finch, Brown-capped, Leucosticte australis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Leucosticte arctoa, Rosy Finch) [AOU 1993, 1998];
Rosy-Finch, Gray-crowned, Leucosticte tephrocotis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Leucosticte arctoa, Rosy Finch) [AOU 1993, 1998];
Sapsucker, Red-naped, Sphyrapicus nuchalis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Sphyrapicus varius, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker) [AOU 1985, 
1998];
Scrub-Jay, Island, Aphelocoma insularis (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Aphelocoma coerulescens, Scrub [=Florida] Jay [=Scrub-Jay]) [AOU 
1995, 1998];
Scrub-Jay, Western, Aphelocoma californica (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Aphelocoma coerulescens, Scrub [=Florida] Jay [=Scrub-
Jay]) [AOU 1995, 1998];
Snipe, Wilson's, Gallinago delicata (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Gallinago gallinago, Common Snipe) [AOU 2002];
Sparrow, Nelson's Sharp-tailed, Ammodramus nelsoni (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Ammodramus caudacutus, Sharp-tailed [=Saltmarsh Sharp-
tailed] Sparrow) [AOU 1995, 1998];
Spindalis, Puerto Rican, Spindalis portoricensis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Spindalis zena, Stripe-headed [=Western] Tanager 
[=Spindalis]) [AOU 2000];
Thrush, Bicknell's, Catharus bicknelli (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Catharus minimus, Gray-cheeked Thrush) [AOU 1995, 1998];
Titmouse, Black-crested, Baeolophus atricristatus (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Parus [=Baeolophus] bicolor, Tufted Titmouse) [AOU 2002];
Titmouse, Juniper, Baeolophus ridgwayi (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Parus [=Baeolophus] inornatus, Plain [=Oak] Titmouse) [AOU 1997, 
1998];
Towhee, California, Pipilo crissalis (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Pipilo fuscus, Brown [=Canyon] Towhee) [AOU 1989, 1998];
Towhee, Spotted, Pipilo maculatus (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Pipilo erythrophthalmus, Rufous-sided [=Eastern] Towhee) [AOU 1995, 
1998];
Vireo, Cassin's, Vireo cassinii (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Vireo solitarius, Solitary [=Blue-headed] Vireo) [AOU 1997, 1998];
Vireo, Plumbeous, Vireo plumbeus (formerly treated as subspecies of 
Vireo solitarius, Solitary [=Blue-headed] Vireo) [AOU 1997, 1998];
Vireo, Yellow-green, Vireo flavoviridis (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Vireo olivaceus, Red-eyed Vireo) [AOU 1987, 1998];
Wagtail, Eastern Yellow, Motacilla tschutschensis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Motacilla flava, Yellow Wagtail) [AOU 2004];
Woodpecker, American Three-toed, Picoides dorsalis (formerly treated as 
subspecies of Picoides tridactylus, Three-toed [=Eurasian Three-toed] 
Woodpecker) [AOU 2003]; and
Woodpecker, Arizona, Picoides arizonae (formerly treated as subspecies 
of Picoides stricklandi, Strickland's Woodpecker) [AOU 2000].

    (7) Remove 10 species based on revised taxonomic treatments and new 
distributional evidence confirming that their known geographic ranges 
lie entirely outside the political boundaries of the United States and 
its territories. In each case, we reference the AOU publication(s) 
supporting these changes:


[[Page 9287]]


Finch, Rosy, Leucosticte arctoa (AOU 1993, 1998);
Heron, Green-backed (=Striated), Butorides striatus (AOU 1993, 1998);
Kite, Black-shouldered, Elanus caeruleus (AOU 1983, 1993, 1998);
Magpie, Black-billed (=Eurasian), Pica pica (AOU 2000);
Noddy, Lesser, Anous tenuirostris (AOU 1998; treated as conspecific 
with Black Noddy, Anous minutus);
Petrel, Dark-rumped (=Galapagos), Pterodroma phaeopygia (AOU 2002);
Pipit, Water, Anthus spinoletta (AOU 1983, 1989, 1998);
Wagtail, Yellow, Motacilla flava (AOU 2004);
Woodpecker, Strickland's, Picoides stricklandi (AOU 2000); and
Woodpecker, Three-toed (=Eurasian Three-toed), Picoides tridactylis 
(AOU 2003).

    (8) Remove one former species that is now treated as a subspecies:

Wagtail, Black-backed, Motacilla lugens (lugens will remain protected 
as a subspecies of Motacilla alba, White Wagtail) [AOU 2005].

    (9) Revise the common (English) names of 48 species to conform to 
the most recent nomenclatural treatment. These revisions do not change 
the protective status of any of these taxa, only the names by which 
they are known. In each case, we reference the published source(s) for 
the name change:

Barn-Owl, Common, Tyto alba, becomes Owl, Barn (AOU 1989, 1998);
Bittern, Chinese, Ixobrychus sinensis, becomes Bittern, Yellow (AOU 
1991, 1998);
Crow, Mexican, Corvus imparatus, becomes Crow, Tamaulipas (AOU 1997, 
1998);
Curlew, Least, Numenius minutus, becomes Curlew, Little (AOU 1987, 
1998);
Flycatcher, Gray-spotted, Muscicapa griseisticta, becomes Flycatcher, 
Gray-streaked (AOU 2004);
Flycatcher, Western, Empidonax difficilis, becomes Flycatcher, Pacific-
slope (AOU 1989, 1998);
Golden-Plover, Lesser, Pluvialis dominica, becomes Golden-Plover, 
American (AOU 1993, 1998);
Goose, Bean, Anser fabalis, becomes Bean-Goose, Taiga (AOU 2007)
Goose, Ross', Chen rossii, becomes Goose, Ross's (AOU 1998);
Gull, Common Black-headed, Larus ridibundus, becomes Gull, Black-headed 
(AOU 1995, 1998);
Gull, Ross', Rhodostethia rosea, becomes Gull, Ross's (AOU 1998);
Hawk, Asiatic Sparrow, Accipiter gularis, becomes Sparrowhawk, Japanese 
(Monroe and Sibley 1993);
Hawk, Harris', Parabuteo unicinctus, becomes Hawk, Harris's (AOU 1998);
Hawk-Owl, Northern, Surnia ulula, becomes Owl, Northern Hawk (AOU 1989, 
1998);
Heron, Pacific Reef, Egretta sacra, becomes Reef-Egret, Pacific (Monroe 
and Sibley 1993);
Hoopoe, Upupa epops, becomes Hoopoe, Eurasian (AOU 1998);
Jay, Gray-breasted, Aphelocoma ultramarina, becomes Jay, Mexican (AOU 
1995, 1998);
Jay, Scrub, Aphelocoma coerulescens, becomes Scrub-Jay, Florida (AOU 
1995, 1998);
Kite, American Swallow-tailed, Elanoides forficatus, becomes Kite, 
Swallow-tailed (AOU 1995, 1998);
Murrelet, Xantus', Synthliboramphus hypoleucus, becomes Murrelet, 
Xantus's (AOU 1998);
Nightjar, Jungle, Caprimulgus indicus, becomes Nightjar, Gray (AOU 
2004);
Oldsquaw, Clangula hyemalis, becomes Duck, Long-tailed (AOU 2000);
Oriole, Black-cowled, Icterus dominicensis, becomes Oriole, Greater 
Antillean (AOU 2000);
Oriole, Northern, Icterus galbula, becomes Oriole, Baltimore (AOU 1995, 
1998);
Petrel, White-necked, Pterodroma externa, becomes Petrel, Juan 
Fernandez (AOU 1991, 1998);
Plover, Great Sand, Charadrius leschenaultii, becomes Sand-Plover, 
Greater (AOU 2004);
Plover, Mongolian, Charadrius mongolus, becomes Sand-Plover, Lesser 
(AOU 2004);
Reed-Bunting, Common, Emberiza schoeniclus, becomes Bunting, Reed (AOU 
1995, 1998);
Reed-Bunting, Pallas', Emberiza pallasi, becomes Bunting, Pallas's (AOU 
1995, 1998);
Sandpiper, Spoonbill, Eurynorhynchus pygmeus, becomes Sandpiper, Spoon-
billed (AOU 2004);
Skylark, Eurasian, Alauda arvensis, becomes Lark, Sky (AOU 1995, 1998);
Sparrow, Harris', Zonotrichia querela, becomes Sparrow, Harris's (AOU 
1998);
Sparrow, Sharp-tailed, Ammodramus caudacutus, becomes Sparrow, 
Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed (AOU 1995, 1998);
Starling, Ashy, Sturnus cineraceus, becomes Starling, White-cheeked 
(Monroe and Sibley 1993);
Starling, Violet-backed, Sturnus philippensis, becomes Starling, 
Chestnut-cheeked (Monroe and Sibley 1993);
Stint, Rufous-necked, Calidris ruficollis, becomes Stint, Red-necked 
(AOU 1995);
Storm-Petrel, Sooty, Oceanodroma tristrami, becomes Storm-Petrel, 
Tristram's (AOU 1989, 1998);
Swift, Antillean Palm, Tachornis phoenicobia, becomes Palm-Swift, 
Antillean (AOU 1983, 1998);
Tanager, Stripe-headed, Spindalis zena, becomes Spindalis, Western (AOU 
2000);
Teal, Falcated, Anas falcata, becomes Duck, Falcated (AOU 1997, 1998);
Thrush, Eye-browed, Turdus obscurus, becomes Thrush, Eyebrowed (AOU 
1989, 1998);
Towhee, Brown, Pipilo fuscus, becomes Towhee, Canyon (AOU 1989, 1998);
Towhee, Rufous-sided, Pipilo erythrophthalmus, becomes Towhee, Eastern 
(AOU 1995, 1998);
Tree-Pipit, Olive, Anthus hodgsoni, becomes Pipit, Olive-backed (AOU 
1995, 1998);
Trogon, Eared, Euptilotis neoxenus, becomes Quetzel, Eared (AOU 2002);
Vireo, Solitary, Vireo solitarius, becomes Vireo, Blue-headed (AOU 
1997, 1998);
Warbler, Elfin Woods, Dendroica angelae, becomes Warbler, Elfin-woods 
(AOU 1998); and
Woodpecker, Lewis', Melanerpes lewis, becomes Woodpecker, Lewis's (AOU 
1998).

    (10) Revise the scientific names of 66 species to conform to the 
most recent nomenclatural treatment. These revisions do not change the 
protective status of any of these taxa, only the names by which they 
are known. In each case, we reference the AOU publication(s) 
documenting the name change:

Actitis macularia (Spotted Sandpiper) becomes Actitis macularius (AOU 
2004);
Ajaia ajaja (Roseate Spoonbill) becomes Platalea ajaja (AOU 2002);
Amphispiza quinquestriata (Five-striped Sparrow) becomes Aimophila 
quinquestriata (AOU 1997, 1998);
Casmerodius albus (Great Egret) becomes Ardea alba (AOU 1995, 1998);
Catharacta maccormicki (South Polar Skua) becomes Stercorarius 
maccormicki (AOU 2000);
Catharacta skua (Great Skua) becomes Stercorarius skua (AOU 2000);
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus (Willet) becomes Tringa semipalmata (AOU 
2006);
Ceryle alcyon (Belted Kingfisher) becomes Megaceryl alcyon (AOU 2007);
Ceryle torquatus (= Ceryle torquata) (Ringed Kingfisher) becomes 
Megaceryl torquata (AOU 2004, 2007);

[[Page 9288]]

Columba fasciata (Band-tailed Pigeon) becomes Patagioenas fasciata (AOU 
2003);
Columba flavirostris (Red-billed Pigeon) becomes Patagioenas 
flavirostris (AOU 2003);
Columba inornata (Plain Pigeon) becomes Patagioenas inornata (AOU 
2003);
Columba leucocephala (White-crowned Pigeon) becomes Patagioenas 
leucocephala (AOU 2003);
Columba squamosa (Scaly-naped Pigeon) becomes Patagioenas squamosa (AOU 
2003);
Contopus borealis (Olive-sided Flycatcher) becomes Contopus cooperi 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Cuculus saturatus (Oriental Cuckoo) becomes Cuculus optatus (AOU 2006);
Cyclorrhynchus psittacula (Parakeet Auklet) becomes Aethia psittacula 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Delichon urbica (Common House-Martin) becomes Delichon urbicum (AOU 
2004);
Diomedea albatrus (Short-tailed Albatross) becomes Phoebastria albatrus 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Diomedea chlororhynchos (Yellow-nosed Albatross) becomes Thalassarche 
chlororhynchos (AOU 1997, 1998);
Diomedea immutabilis (Laysan Albatross) becomes Phoebastria immutabilis 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Diomedea nigripes (Black-footed Albatross) becomes Phoebastria nigripes 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Guiraca caerulea (Blue Grosbeak) becomes Passerina caerulea (AOU 2002);
Heteroscelus brevipes (Gray-tailed Tattler) becomes Tringa brevipes 
(AOU 2006);
Heteroscelus incanus (Wandering Tattler) becomes Tringa incana (AOU 
2006);
Helmitheros vermivora (Worm-eating Warbler) becomes Helmitheros 
vermivorum (AOU 2004);
Hirundo fulva (Cave Swallow) becomes Petrochelidon fulva (AOU 1997, 
1998);
Hirundo pyrrhonota (Cliff Swallow) becomes Petrochelidon pyrrhonota 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Muscicapa narcissina (Narcissus Flycatcher) becomes Ficedula narcissina 
(AOU 1991, 1998);
Nesochen sandvicensis (Hawaiian Goose) becomes Branta sandvicensis (AOU 
1993, 1998);
Nyctea scandiaca (Snowy Owl) becomes Bubo scandiacus (AOU 2003);
Nycticorax goisagi (Japanese Night-Heron) becomes Gorsachius goisagi 
(Monroe and Sibley 1993);
Nycticorax violaceus (Yellow-crowned Night-Heron) becomes Nyctanassa 
violacea (AOU 1998);
Orthorhynchus cristatus (Antillean Crested Hummingbird) becomes 
Orthorhyncus cristatus (AOU 1987);
Otus asio (Eastern Screech-Owl) becomes Megascops asio (AOU 2003);
Otus kennicottii (Western Screech-Owl) becomes Megascops kennicottii 
(AOU 2003);
Otus nudipes (Puerto Rican Screech-Owl) becomes Megascops nudipes (AOU 
2003);
Otus trichopsis (Whiskered Screech-Owl) becomes Megascops trichopsis 
(AOU 2003);
Oxyura dominica (Masked Duck) becomes Nomonyx dominicus (AOU 1997, 
1998);
Parus atricapillus (Black-capped Chickadee) becomes Poecile 
atricapillus (AOU 1997, 1998, 2003);
Parus bicolor (Tufted Titmouse) becomes Baeolophus bicolor (AOU 1997, 
1998);
Parus carolinensis (Carolina Chickadee) becomes Poecile carolinensis 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Parus gambeli (Mountain Chickadee) becomes Poecile gambeli (AOU 1997, 
1998);
Parus hudsonicus (Boreal Chickadee) becomes Poecile hudsonica (AOU 
1997, 1998, 2000);
Parus rufescens (Chestnut-backed Chickadee) becomes Poecile rufescens 
(AOU 1997, 1998);
Parus sclateri (Mexican Chickadee) becomes Poecile sclateri (AOU 1997, 
1998);
Parus wollweberi (Bridled Titmouse) becomes Baeolophus wollweberi (AOU 
1997, 1998);
Phalaropus fulicaria (Red Phalarope) becomes Phalaropus fulicarius (AOU 
2002);
Polyborus plancus (Crested Caracara) becomes Caracara cheriway (AOU 
1993, 1998, 2000);
Porphyrula martinica (Purple Gallinule) becomes Porphyrio martinica 
(AOU 2002);
Saurothera vieilloti (Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo) becomes Coccyzus 
vieilloti (AOU 2006);
Seiurus aurocapillus (Ovenbird) becomes Seiurus aurocapilla (AOU 2003);
Sterna albifrons (Little Tern) becomes Sternula albifrons (AOU 2006);
Sterna aleutica (Aleutian Tern) becomes Onychoprion aleuticus (AOU 
2006);
Sterna anaethetus (Bridled Tern) becomes Onychoprion anaethetus (AOU 
2006);
Sterna antillarum (Least Tern) becomes Sternula antillarum (AOU 2006);
Sterna caspia (Caspian Tern) becomes Hydroprogne caspia (AOU 2006);
Sterna elegans (Elegant Tern) becomes Thalasseus elegans (AOU 2006);
Sterna fuscata (Sooty Tern) becomes Onychoprion fuscatus (AOU 2006);
Sterna lunata (Gray-backed Tern) becomes Onychoprion lunatus (AOU 
2006);
Sterna maxima (Royal Tern) becomes Thalasseus maximus (AOU 2006);
Sterna nilotica (Gull-billed Tern) becomes Gelochelidon nilotica (AOU 
2006);
Sterna sandvicensis (Sandwich Tern) becomes Thalasseus sandvicensis 
(AOU 2006);
Sula bassanus (Northern Gannet) becomes Morus bassanus (AOU 1989, 
1998);
Tiaris olivacea (Yellow-faced Grassquit) becomes Tiaris olivaceus (AOU 
2004); and
Toxostoma dorsale (Crissal Thrasher) becomes Toxostoma crissale (AOU 
1985, 1998).

    (11) Revise the common (English) and scientific names of seven 
species to conform with the most recent nomenclatural treatment. These 
revisions do not change the protective status of any of these taxa, 
only the names by which they are known. In each case, we reference the 
publication(s) supporting the name change:

Cormorant, Olivaceous, Phalacrocorax olivaceus, becomes Cormorant, 
Neotropic, Phalacrocorax brasilianus (AOU 1991, 1998);
Egret, Plumed, Egretta intermedia, becomes Egret, Intermediate, 
Mesophoyx intermedia (Monroe and Sibley 1993);
Night-Heron, Malay, Nycticorax melanolophus, becomes Night-Heron, 
Malayan, Gorsachius melanolophus (Monroe and Sibley 1993);
Thrush, Hawaiian, Phaeornis obscurus, becomes Omao, Myadestes obscurus 
(AOU 1985, 1998);
Thrush, Small Kauai, Phaeornis palmeri, becomes Puaiohi, Myadestes 
palmeri (AOU 1985, 1998);
Tit, Siberian, Parus cinctus, becomes Chickadee, Gray-headed, Poecile 
cincta (AOU 1998, 2000); and
Titmouse, Plain, Parus inornatus, becomes Titmouse, Oak, Baeolophus 
inornatus (AOU 1997, 1998).

    (12) Revise incorrect or invalid scientific names of four species 
in the alphabetical list to reflect the most recent nomenclatural 
treatment and to correct inconsistencies between the alphabetical and 
taxonomic lists:

Kittiwake, Black-legged, Larus tridactyla, becomes Rissa trydactyla 
(AOU 1998);

[[Page 9289]]

Kittiwake, Red-legged, Larus brevirostris, becomes Rissa brevirostris 
(AOU 1998);
Skimmer, Black, Rhynchops niger, becomes Rynchops niger (AOU 1998); and
Thrush, Wood, Hylocichla minima, becomes Hylocichla mustelina (AOU 
1998).

    (13) Revise the common (English) name of two species in the 
alphabetical and taxonomic lists to correct misspellings:

Bittern, Schrenk's, Ixobrychus eurhythmus, becomes Bittern, Schrenck's 
(Monroe and Sibley 1993); and
Redstart, Slaty-throated, Myioborus miniatus, becomes Redstart, Slate-
throated (AOU 1998).

    (14) Revise the scientific names of three species in the taxonomic 
list to correct misspellings and inconsistencies between the 
alphabetical and taxonomic lists:

Sialis currucoides (Mountain Bluebird) becomes Sialia currucoides (AOU 
1998);
Sialis mexicana (Western Bluebird) becomes Sialia mexicana (AOU 1998); 
and
Sialis sialis (Eastern Bluebird) becomes Sialia sialis (AOU 1998).

    (15) Change the status of one taxon from protected subspecies to 
non-protected species (because there is no known natural occurrence of 
the newly recognized species in the United States or its territories). 
In accordance with the AOU (1998), the Barbary Falcon has been treated 
as a subspecies (pelegrinoides) of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco 
peregrinus) in 50 CFR 10.13. We defer to the taxonomic treatment of 
Monroe and Sibley (1993) in recognizing F. peregrinus pelegrinoides as 
a distinct species, Falco pelegrinoides, the Barbary Falcon. This 
brings our treatment of this taxon into conformity with that adopted by 
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Flora and Fauna (CITES), thereby removing an inconsistency between the 
MBTA (50 CFR 10.13) and CITES (50 CFR 23.23) lists. This simple 
taxonomic change does not add or remove any species from the list:

Falco peregrinus pelegrinoides, formerly considered a subspecies of the 
Peregrine Falcon, is changed to Falco pelegrinoides, Barbary Falcon 
(Monroe and Sibley 1993). TheBarbary Falcon is not subject to the MBTA 
because its known geographic range lies entirely outside the political 
boundaries of the United States and its territories. This does not 
change the legal status of any other subspecies of the Peregrine 
Falcon, all of which will continue to be protected under the MBTA.

    We continue to consider all previously recognized subspecies of the 
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) as one species.
    As a general practice, we use the AOU as a key source for taxonomic 
decisions. However, for species that are hunted, we may see a higher 
level of certainty about taxonomic changes before modifying hunting 
regulations and management plans, and communicating those changes to 
the public.
    The AOU recently adopted nomenclature that divides the 11 
subspecies of the previously-recognized single Canada Goose species 
into two species groups, Canada Goose and Cackling Goose (Branta 
hutchinsii) (AOU 2004). However, we choose to include the four 
subspecies AOU now considers Cackling Goose in the listing of Canada 
Goose, rather than include them in a separate species. Some waterfowl 
specialists do not agree that the data on which the AOU relied 
warranted the separation into two species. The AOU recommendation is 
based on research in large part supported by analysis of mitochondrial 
DNA (Van Wagner and Baker 1986, Shields and Wilson 1987, Quinn et al. 
1991, Paxinos et al. 2002, Scribner et al. 2003). These studies suggest 
a difference between Cackling and Canada Geese primarily based on 
maternally inherited nonrecombinate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We 
believe the mtDNA analyzed from geese in the geographic areas sampled 
indicate a substantial evolutionary distance between groups the AOU 
classifies as Cackling and Canada Geese. However, the nuclear 
(recombinant) microsatellite DNA (nuDNA) assessment presented in 
Scribner et al. (2003: Fig. 3) suggests either that the nuDNA has not 
yet sorted (nuDNA takes approximately four times as long to consolidate 
as does mtDNA [Zink and Barrowclough 2008]), or that this historical 
division is not being maintained because hybridization is occurring. An 
assessment of the nuDNA group samples from the North Slope of Alaska 
(now considered B. h. taverneri, a subspecies of Cackling Goose, by the 
AOU) suggests that this group is most closely paired with samples from 
South Central Alaska (B. c. parvipes, considered a subspecies of Canada 
Goose by the AOU). These results are consistent with those reported by 
Van Wagner and Baker (1990). If Cackling and Canada Geese are 
hybridizing, it is unclear what the outcome will be. Consequently, FWS 
is concerned whether the sample size and geographic distribution of 
specimens obtained for genetic analysis was adequate to determine the 
extent of hybridization. We suggest additional analysis of samples 
collected at several potential zones of integration to reduce this 
uncertainty, including the north slope of Alaska (B. h. taverneri and 
B. c. parvipes), and Arctic Canada (B. h. hutchinsii and B. c. 
parvipes, and B. h. hutchinsii and B. c. interior). Some of this work 
is already underway.
    Issues related to monitoring and assessment of the proposed two 
species/Canada Goose complex also need to be resolved to ensure that 
the continuity in status assessments is maintained. We are also 
reluctant to begin informing the public, both hunters and non-hunters 
alike, of the implications of this change until further studies confirm 
that this separation is warranted. Additional research on Canada/
Cackling Goose taxonomy and breeding distribution is currently being 
conducted and better techniques for field and harvest identification 
are in development. We will consider this additional information when 
it is available, at which time we may reconsider our decision. In any 
case, we emphasize that, regardless of name, goose subspecies 
identified as Cackling Goose by the AOU remain protected under the 
Migratory Bird Treaty Act as Canada Goose.
    For ease of comparison, changes are summarized in the following 
table (numbers reference the categories treated above). Species whose 
names have been revised (categories 9-14) appear in both the left-hand 
column (old name removed) and right-hand column (new name added). To 
ensure that these two separate actions appear on the same line of the 
table, we employ brackets to identify old (removed) or new (added) 
names that are listed in correct alphabetical order elsewhere in the 
table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Removed (alphabetically)              Added (alphabetically)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Akekee, Loxops caeruleirostris
                                          (4).
                                         Akepa, Loxops coccineus (4).

[[Page 9290]]

 
                                         Akialoa, Greater, Hemignathus
                                          ellisianus (4).
                                         Akiapolaau, Hemignathus munroi
                                          (4).
                                         Akikiki, Oreomystis bairdi (4).
                                         Akohekohe, Palmeria dolei (4).
                                         Alauahio, Maui, Paroreomyza
                                          montana (4).
                                         Alauahio, Oahu, Paroreomyza
                                          maculate (4).
                                         Albatross, Black-browed,
                                          Thalassarche melanophris (3).
Albatross, Black-footed, Diomedea        Albatross, Black-footed,
 nigripes (10).                           Phoebastria nigripes (10).
Albatross, Laysan, Diomedea immutabilis  Albatross, Laysan, Phoebastria
 (10).                                    immutabilis (10).
                                         Albatross, Light-mantled,
                                          Phoebetria palpebrata (3).
Albatross, Short-tailed, Diomedea        Albatross, Short-tailed,
 albatrus (10).                           Phoebastria albatrus (10).
                                         Albatross, Shy, Thalassarche
                                          cauta (2).
                                         Albatross, Wandering, Diomedea
                                          exulans (2).
Albatross, Yellow-nosed, Diomedea        Albatross, Yellow-nosed,
 chlororhynchos (10).                     Thalassarche chlororhynchos
                                          (10).
                                         Amakihi, Hawaii, Hemignathus
                                          virens (4).
                                         Amakihi, Kauai, Hemignathus
                                          kauaiensis (4).
                                         Amakihi, Oahu, Hemignathus
                                          flavus (4).
                                         Anianiau, Magumma parva (4).
                                         Apapane, Himatione sanguinea
                                          (4).
Auklet, Parakeet, Cyclorrhynchus         Auklet, Parakeet, Aethia
 psittacula (10).                         psittacula (10).
Barn-Owl, Common, Tyto alba (9)........  [see Owl, Barn].
                                         Bean-Goose, Taiga, Anser
                                          fabalis (9).
                                         Bean-Goose, Tundra, Anser
                                          serrirostris (6).
                                         Bittern, Black, Ixobrychus
                                          flavicollis (5).
Bittern, Chinese, Ixobrychus sinensis    Bittern, Yellow, Ixobrychus
 (9).                                     sinensis (9).
Bittern, Schrenk's, Ixobrychus           Bittern, Schrenck's, Ixobrychus
 eurhythmus (13).                         eurhythmus (13).
Bluebird, Eastern, Sialis sialis (14)..  Bluebird, Eastern, Sialia
                                          sialis (14).
Bluebird, Mountain, Sialis currucoides   Bluebird, Mountain, Sialia
 (14).                                    currucoides (14).
Bluebird, Western, Sialis mexicana (14)  Bluebird, Western, Sialia
                                          mexicana (14).
                                         Bluetail, Red-flanked, Tarsiger
                                          cyanurus (3).
                                         Bunting, Blue, Cyanocompsa
                                          parellina (2).
                                         Bunting, Gray, Emberiza
                                          variabilis (2).
                                         Bunting, Little, Emberiza
                                          pusilla (2).
[see Reed-Bunting, Pallas']............  Bunting, Pallas's, Emberiza
                                          pallasi (9).
                                         Bunting, Pine, Emberiza
                                          leucocephalos (3).
[see Reed-Bunting, Common].............  Bunting, Reed, Emberiza
                                          schoeniclus (9).
                                         Bunting, Yellow-breasted,
                                          Emberiza aureola (3).
                                         Bunting, Yellow-throated,
                                          Emberiza elegans (3).
                                         Carib, Purple-throated,
                                          Eulampis jugularis (3).
Caracara, Crested, Polyborus plancus     Caracara, Crested, Caracara
 (10).                                    cheriway (10).
                                         Catbird, Black, Melanoptila
                                          glabrirostris (3).
                                         Chaffinch, Common, Fringilla
                                          coelebs (2).
Chickadee, Black-capped, Parus           Chickadee, Black-capped,
 atricapillus (10).                       Poecile atricapillus (10).
Chickadee, Boreal, Parus hudsonicus      Chickadee, Boreal, Poecile
 (10).                                    hudsonica (10).
Chickadee, Carolina, Parus carolinensis  Chickadee, Carolina, Poecile
 (10).                                    carolinensis (10).
Chickadee, Chestnut-backed, Parus        Chickadee, Chestnut-backed,
 rufescens (10).                          Poecile rufescens (10).
[see Tit, Siberian]....................  Chickadee, Gray-headed, Poecile
                                          cincta (11).
Chickadee, Mexican, Parus sclateri (10)  Chickadee, Mexican, Poecile
                                          sclateri (10).
Chickadee, Mountain, Parus gambeli (10)  Chickadee, Mountain, Poecile
                                          gambeli (10).
                                         Coot, Hawaiian, Fulica alai
                                          (6).
                                         Cormorant, Little Pied,
                                          Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
                                          (5).
Cormorant, Olivaceous, Phalacrocorax     Cormorant, Neotropic,
 olivaceus (11).                          Phalacrocorax brasilianus
                                          (11).
                                         Crake, Paint-billed, Neocrex
                                          erythrops (2).
                                         Crake, Spotless, Porzana
                                          tabuensis (5).
                                         Creeper, Hawaii, Oreomystis
                                          mana (4).
                                         Crow, Mariana, Corvus kubaryi
                                          (5).
Crow, Mexican, Corvus imparatus (9)....  Crow, Tamaulipas, Corvus
                                          imparatus (9).
Cuckoo, Oriental, Cuculus saturatus      Cuckoo, Oriental, Cuculus
 (10).                                    optatus (10).
                                         Curlew, Eurasian, Numenius
                                          arquata (2).
Curlew, Least, Numenius minutus (9)....  Curlew, Little, Numenius
                                          minutus (9).
[see Teal, Falcated]...................  Duck, Falcated, Anas falcata
                                          (9).
[see Oldsquaw].........................  Duck, Long-tailed, Clangula
                                          hyemalis (9).
Duck, Masked, Oxyura dominica (10).....  Duck, Masked, Nomonyx dominicus
                                          (10).
                                         Duck, Muscovy, Cairina moschata
                                          (3).
                                         Duck, Pacific Black, Anas
                                          superciliosa (5).
                                         Duck, Spot-billed, Anas
                                          poecilorhyncha (1).
Egret, Great, Casmerodius albus (10)...  Egret, Great, Ardea alba (10).
Egret, Plumed, Egretta intermedia (11).  Egret, Intermediate, Mesophoyx
                                          intermedia (11).
                                         Egret, Little, Egretta garzetta
                                          (3).
                                         Elaenia, Greenish, Myiopagis
                                          viridicata (3).
[Falcon, Barbary, Falco peregrinus       Falcon, Red-footed, Falco
 pelegrinoides (=Falco pelegrinoides)]    vespertinus (3).
 (15).
                                         Finch, Laysan, Telespiza
                                          cantans (4).
                                         Finch, Nihoa, Telespiza ultima
                                          (4).

[[Page 9291]]

 
Finch, Rosy, Leucosticte arctoa (7)....  [see Rosy-Finch].
                                         Flicker, Gilded, Colaptes
                                          chrysoides (6).
                                         Flycatcher, Cordilleran,
                                          Empidonax occidentalis (6).
Flycatcher, Gray-spotted, Muscicapa      Flycatcher, Gray-streaked,
 griseisticta (9).                        Muscicapa griseisticta (9).
                                         Flycatcher, La Sagra's,
                                          Myiarchus sagrae (2).
Flycatcher, Narcissus, Muscicapa         Flycatcher, Narcissus, Ficedula
 narcissina (10).                         narcissina (10).
Flycatcher, Olive-sided, Contopus        Flycatcher, Olive-sided,
 borealis (10).                           Contopus cooperi (10).
Flycatcher, Western, Empidonax           Flycatcher, Pacific-slope,
 difficilis (9).                          Empidonax difficilis (9).
                                         Flycatcher, Piratic, Legatus
                                          leucophalus (3).
                                         Flycatcher, Social, Myiozetetes
                                          similis (3).
                                         Flycatcher, Tufted, Mitrephanes
                                          phaeocercus (3).
                                         Flycatcher, Variegated,
                                          Empidonomus varius (2).
                                         Forest-Falcon, Collared,
                                          Micrastur semitorquatus (3).
                                         Frog-Hawk, Gray, Accipiter
                                          soloensis (3).
                                         Fruit-Dove, Crimson-crowned,
                                          Ptilinopus porphyraceus (5).
                                         Fruit-Dove, Many-colored,
                                          Ptilinopus perousii (5).
                                         Fruit-Dove, Mariana, Ptilinopus
                                          roseicapilla (5).
                                         Gallinule, Azure, Porphyrio
                                          flavirostris (3).
Gallinule, Purple, Porphyrula martinica  Gallinule, Purple, Porphyrio
 (10).                                    martinica (10).
Gannet, Northern, Sula bassanus (10)...  Gannet, Northern, Morus
                                          bassanus (10).
                                         Gnatcatcher, California,
                                          Polioptila californica (6).
Golden-Plover, Lesser, Pluvialis         Golden-Plover, American,
 dominica (9).                            Pluvialis dominica (9).
                                         Golden-Plover, European,
                                          Pluvialis apricaria (3).
                                         Golden-Plover, Pacific,
                                          Pluvialis fulva (6).
Goose, Bean, Anser fabalis (9).........  [see Bean