US Bird Society to Rename Numerous Avian Species, According to Experts

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has announced that several bird species in the US and Canada will receive new names based on their habitats and traits instead of being named after people. This decision comes after years of controversy surrounding the use of human names, especially those associated with individuals with racist backgrounds. The goal of this change is to create a more inclusive environment for bird-watching enthusiasts. Around 70 to 80 bird species will be renamed. According to the CEO of the AOS, Judith Scarl, the naming conventions developed in the 1800s, which were often influenced by racism and misogyny, are no longer suitable. Scarl believes that it is time to shift the focus to the birds themselves and transform the naming process. Among the birds that will be renamed are Wilson's warbler and Wilson's snipe, both of which were named after Alexander Wilson, a naturalist from the 19th century. To oversee the assignment of the new bird names, the AOS will establish a committee that includes individuals with expertise in the social sciences, communications, ornithology, and taxonomy. The public will also have the opportunity to participate in this process. This move by the AOS is intended to change harmful and exclusionary English bird names. It is worth noting that earlier this year, the National Audubon Society (NAS), an organization focused on bird conservation, decided to retain its name despite calls for a change. The NAS acknowledged that its namesake, James John Audubon, a renowned American naturalist and wildlife illustrator, owned slaves and held prejudiced views toward Black and Indigenous people. The decision to keep the name was made after a thorough examination of its historical context, as the NAS considers the name to represent a broader love for birds and nature, as well as a non-partisan approach to conservation.