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Marlene Zuk's avatar

I spent way longer reading this than I probably should have. Fabulous! I can't imagine how you decided on the order. (Though I did read that apparently the term "cuckold" isn't, in fact, related to cuckoos.)

Robert Francis's avatar

I spent longer than I probably should have putting it together! The online etymology dictionary agrees with the cuckoo connection, but I'm curious if there's another explanation: https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=cuckold

Marlene Zuk's avatar

I was using Nick Davies' book Cuckoos, Cowbirds and Other Cheats as my source (which is fantastic if you haven't read it). I have a chapter on cowbirds in my book and I also talk some about cuckoos. But I am not sure if I ever saw a different explanation for the apparent convergence of terms.

On another note, Roadrunners ftw!!! They are possibly my favorite birds ever. They combine beauty with fantastic behavior, no?

Robert Francis's avatar

Thanks for the book recommendation, it wasn't on my radar and it looks so interesting! And I agree, they're so unique and I wish you could find them throughout the rest of the US!

Sam Barnum's avatar

I doled these out a dozen a day, didn't want it to end. Bravo! I've found myself muttering "Chaco Chachalaca" and chuckling.

Joanna's avatar

Delighted to see Plains Wanderers bestowed with a much deserved honour. For those of us birding and/or working in conservation in eastern Australia seeing one of these beautiful legendary creatures is a milestone, a goal, a bucket list experience. I have knitted myself a plains wanderer themed scarf to wear with my plains wanderer tshirt when I go roaming the plains searching

Robert Francis's avatar

Incredible! They seem like legendary birds from half the world away and stories like this really deepen their lore. I hope you find your bird!

Delene Oosthuizen's avatar

This is delightful!

A Walk With Ruth's avatar

Reading these tickled my brain.

PeteAJ's avatar

Amazing list. I only know of these because I heard a few in Italy and IDed them using Merlin Bird ID but I submit the short-toed treecreeper. Just sounds like an insult!

K _'s avatar

"Great Indian Bustard" should definitely be on the list

Dave T's avatar

A delightful article, but really, the pure naughty simplicity of the name "great tit" deserved to be represented. I occasionally torment my wife by saying, "Oh, look, a pair of great tits!" Bonus points if the kids are around.

Jiu Jitsu Herald's avatar

I feel like Bohemian Waxwing and Bagobo Babbler probably deserved a spot. Thanks for taking the time to make this, I really enjoyed the read.

Laura's avatar

So much fun to read and I learned a lot, thank you!

Quinn Emmett's avatar

Legendary accomplishment

Alfred's avatar

Great read! Bohemian Waxwing 😅

Divya Sanchana's avatar

You need to look into the Blue-faced malkoha and the Great Indian bustard. My favourites among Indian birds!

Juan y el Mundo's avatar

This was absolutely amazing. And thank you for including the bannaquit, it's a perennial favorite. We call them "reinitas" in my native Venezuela. Translates to "little queens".

Carol's avatar

What a fun read.

Barrie Murdock's avatar

great stuff, thanks for doing this.