The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has made the decision to rename several bird species in the US and Canada. This move comes after years of controversy surrounding the use of human names for birds, including those tied to individuals with racist histories. The AOS aims to create a more inclusive environment for bird-watching enthusiasts and will be renaming 70 to 80 bird species.
The decision to remove human names for bird species is a response to the exclusionary naming conventions that were established in the 1800s. These conventions were influenced by racism and misogyny, and the AOS believes that they no longer align with the values of today’s society. The CEO of the AOS, Judith Scarl, stated that it is time to transform this process and shift the focus back to the birds themselves.
Among the bird species that will be renamed are Wilson’s warbler and Wilson’s snipe, both of which were named after 19th Century naturalist Alexander Wilson. In 2020, the AOS renamed a bird that was previously named after a Confederate Army general. The bird is now known as the thick-billed longspur. To oversee the assignment of these 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 be involved in the process.
The AOS describes these decisions as “momentous” and highlights their goal to change harmful and exclusionary English bird names. This move aligns with the efforts of other organizations, such as the National Audubon Society (NAS), which recently decided to retain its name despite the history of its namesake, James John Audubon, owning slaves and holding harmful attitudes towards Black and Indigenous people. The NAS emphasized that the name now represents a broader love of birds and nature, as well as a non-partisan approach to conservation.
While this renaming process may ruffle some feathers among bird enthusiasts, it is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful bird-watching community. By eliminating human names tied to racist histories, the AOS aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the diverse species that inhabit it. This decision also reflects the growing recognition of the need to confront and address the legacies of racism and exclusion in various aspects of society. Bird-watching should be a hobby that welcomes everyone, and the renaming of bird species is a positive step towards achieving that goal.
