Renaming Birds: American Ornithological Society Takes Steps to Dissociate Birds from Problematic Namesakes

The American Ornithological Society plans to rename North American birds to address problematic namesakes and promote inclusivity in bird-watching.

Pennsylvania bird enthusiasts may soon find themselves referring to some familiar avian species by new names. The American Ornithological Society (AOS) recently announced its plans to rename North American birds to dissociate them from namesakes with problematic pasts. This move comes as part of an effort to promote inclusivity in bird-watching and focus attention on the unique features and beauty of the birds themselves. The renaming project is expected to impact over a dozen birds that breed in, migrate to, or visit Pennsylvania.

Reassessing Bird Names: A Comprehensive Review Process

The AOS intends to assess approximately 80 bird names next year, reviewing all birds with human names rather than judging on a case-by-case basis. To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive process, the AOS plans to convene a committee that will seek input from the public and experts from various scientific fields. This approach aims to address exclusionary naming conventions developed in the 1800s, which were clouded by racism and misogyny.

Promoting Inclusivity in Bird-Watching

By renaming the birds, the AOS hopes to encourage more people to engage in bird-watching and shift the focus from the humans observing the birds to the birds themselves. Colleen Handel, the president of the AOS, emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and engaging scientific process that highlights the beauty and unique features of the birds. The renaming effort seeks to create a space where everyone who loves and cares about birds can freely enjoy and study them.

Addressing Longstanding Biases in Birding

The CEO and executive director of the AOS, Judith Scarl, believes that renaming the birds will help address longstanding biases among birders. The renaming process aims to redirect the focus to the birds and transform the naming conventions that were rooted in racism and misogyny. This initiative is part of a broader movement within the birding community to promote racial justice and inclusivity. The racial justice movement of 2020, along with incidents like a racist encounter in Central Park, has prompted bird-watchers to reckon with institutional racism and work towards a more inclusive birding culture.

The Challenge of Finalizing New Names

While the renaming effort is commendable, finalizing the new names could take years. Jim Bonner, the executive director of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, suggests that the process may be done in batches, with 20 birds being renamed at a time. Factors such as the birds’ appearances and sounds may influence the new monikers. Despite the potential challenges, the birding community has shown adaptability in the face of name changes, as names have been modified over the years.

Varied Reactions to Mass Renaming

Reactions to the AOS’s plan to rename American birds en masse have been mixed. Some initially disagreed with the move, unaware of the problematic backgrounds of the namesakes. However, upon reflection, many have come to support renaming all birds as a more logistically feasible and inclusive approach. The president of the international Wilson Ornithological Society, Daniel Klem Jr., acknowledges that while historical figures with clean slates may be affected, eliminating offensive personalities affiliated with birds and using more descriptive names can enhance communication.

Conclusion:

The American Ornithological Society’s decision to rename North American birds is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and addressing the problematic pasts of namesakes. By shifting the focus to the birds themselves, the AOS hopes to create a more engaging and inclusive scientific process. While the renaming process may take time, the birding community has shown a willingness to adapt to name changes in the past. Ultimately, this initiative aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all bird enthusiasts and ensure that birds receive the attention they deserve.