Naming of Birds as Part of the Intellectual Culture of Indians at Old Crow, Yukon Territory

Abstract

Lists common, scientific and local native names for 103 species of birds found in this area. Recognition and naming of birds was done with great accuracy and completeness by the Kutchin Indian informant, suggesting the ability to be the result of an anciently perfected system of intellectual culture. Comparison with North Alaskan Eskimo bird names disclosed only two of 91 species with the same name, indicating the paucity of intellectual culture exchanges in contrast to the more liberal material cultural exchanges of these neighboring peoples.