Misnamed?

I wonder how several species actually got their name, because to my way of thinking, they do not seem to make much sense. Take the Ring-necked Duck (below), which is found throughout North America. How many have seen the faint cinnamon ring around the base of the neck on the male? It is really only visible when the bird lifts its head and neck up. Personally, Ring-billed Duck would fit the bill!


And what about Clark’s Nutcracker (below)? Named for Captain William Clark, of Lewis and Clark fame, they are found in high elevation western coniferous forests. Its favorite food are pinyon pine seeds, of which they may horde as many as 30,000 in late summer and fall, for winter feasting. The word nutcracker seems to be a poor choice, as these pine seeds or nuts are swallowed whole!

Let me know if you can think of any other oddly-named birds?

all photos © jane and adrian binns