[mou] Birder's shorthand: Question

[Emily Hutchins]

I have used the shorthand abbreviations for bird names for a number of years but was wondering if there's a "formal" list somewhere of all US birds.  I have had a number of questions on this system:  For instance, what are the rules when the first 2 letters of a 2-word name are the same for 2 different birds, such as in bank swallow and barn swallow?  Barn swallow supposedly is BARS and bank swallow is BASW.  Just looking for some guidelines or a list in writing on the naming system.

Thanks!

Emily Hutchins
Private Lands Specialist
MN Department of Natural Resources
Area Wildlife Office
8485 Rose St.
Owatonna, MN  55060
Phone:  (507) 455-5841
Fax:  (507) 446-2326
emily.hutchins at dnr.state.mn.us