Seems a forthcoming article in the Journal of
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution will announce that the downy and
hairy woodpeckers belong in two different genera [Dryobates and
Leuconotopicus respectively, instead of Picoides], instead of being
sister species. You gotta wonder how they've evolved to look so much
alike...

Speaking of similar appearance, another announcement suggests the common
and hoary redpoll forms may be lumped; see the IDFrontiers discussion at
http://birding.aba.org/maillist/IDF  . I'd gladly take the hoary off my
list so I don't have to puzzle them out again...
Bill Whan
Columbus

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