3.8K Views 2 years ago

American Birds are Being Renamed. Here’s Why!

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has unveiled a rule that will ripple through the birding community, resulting in new names for hundreds of bird species. The initiative, informed by conversations with the birding community, seeks to redefine the names of approximately 70 to 80 species in the United States and Canada. The primary focus is on renaming birds that are currently named after individuals or carry names that are considered offensive or exclusionary, setting in motion a process that will commence in 2024.

Source: Sky News Australia/YouTube

This groundbreaking effort underscores the AOS’s commitment to addressing the historical wrongs associated with certain bird names and promoting inclusivity within the birding community. The society has made it clear that it intends to disentangle birds from racist or inflammatory names, and simultaneously, to enhance the understanding of these remarkable creatures.

Among the first birds set to receive new names are Anna’s hummingbird, originally named after an Italian duchess, and Lewis’s woodpecker, previously named after explorer Meriwether Lewis. While these individuals were undoubtedly influential, their names no longer capture the essence of these birds, and their association with certain historical figures can be problematic.

One poignant example of the AOS’s dedication to addressing historical wrongs is the renaming of Townsend’s warbler. This species was previously named after John Kirk Townsend, who was involved in the grave robbing of Indigenous remains in the 1800s. The society’s decision to alter this name is a step towards acknowledging and rectifying past injustices.

This isn’t the first time the AOS has undertaken a renaming effort. In 2020, they successfully changed the name of a bird formerly linked to a Confederate army general, John P. McCown, to the thick-billed longspur. Such changes reflect the evolving sensibilities of the birding community and its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.

The AOS President, Colleen Handel, emphasized the importance of this renaming initiative, stating, “There is power in a name, and some English bird names have associations with the past that continue to be exclusionary and harmful today. We need a much more inclusive and engaging scientific process that focuses attention on the unique features and beauty of the birds themselves. Everyone who loves and cares about birds should be able to enjoy and study them freely – and birds need our help now more than ever.”

For more than a century, the AOS and its predecessor, the American Ornithologists’ Union, have maintained a list of official English-language names for birds in North America, and more recently, South America. These names are widely recognized, but they are also subject to updates as our understanding of science evolves. It’s essential to note that the scientific names of these birds will remain unchanged.

However, the AOS’s decision to reevaluate a significant number of bird names marks a historic moment. Lund notes that bird names are essentially codes used to describe these creatures, and the power to decide these names was once concentrated in the hands of a few white men centuries ago. With this initiative, a unique opportunity presents itself – the chance to reconsider what these birds should be called in a manner that resonates with our contemporary understanding of the avian world.

Lund envisions this process as a thrilling and inspiring experience. Birders will have the opportunity to examine these birds with fresh eyes and explore creative, meaningful names that celebrate the uniqueness of each species. This renaming initiative promises to engage the birding community, raise awareness, and foster a deeper appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the avian world.

Sign this petition to save Chicago birds!