Comments on the species limits of certain North American birds, part 1

Although species limits of North American birds are relatively well-delineated, discrepancies among global lists identify species complexes that are subject to differences of opinion. As part of our work with the North American Classification Committee (NACC) of the American Ornithological Society, we here assess species limits in 11 such species complexes of North American birds: Spruce Grouse (Canachites canadensis), Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata), Antillean Mango (Anthracothorax dominicus), Greenish Puffleg (Haplophaedia aureliae), Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani), Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus), Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus), Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans), American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis), Golden-olive Woodpecker (Colaptes rubiginosus), and Olive-throated Parakeet (Eupsittula nana). We provide updated information on the taxonomic history of these species, and recommend updated taxonomic treatments by using published works, analysis of museum specimens, and citizen/community science databases. We hope this work will provide a foundation for future taxonomic research in these species complexes.