A major shift is happening in the bird world—and it’s about more than just names.
What’s Changing
The American Ornithological Society has launched the English Common Names Project, aiming to:
👉 Rename all bird species in the Americas currently named after people
These are called eponymous names—like birds named after explorers, generals, or scientists.
Why Rename Them?
At first glance, naming animals after people might seem like an honor.
But many of those names are tied to troubling histories.
Examples:
- Audubon’s shearwater
Named after John James Audubon, who was also a slave owner - Scott’s oriole
Linked to Winfield Scott, associated with the Trail of Tears
According to AOS leadership, many naming traditions from the 1800s reflect:
- Racism
- Colonialism
- Gender exclusion
A New Approach
Instead of honoring people, new names will focus on:
- Appearance (color, size, markings)
- Behavior
- Habitat or location
Example:
- Audubon’s shearwater → Sargasso shearwater
This shifts attention back where it belongs:
👉 On the birds themselves
What Sparked This Movement
The push gained momentum through:
- The Bird Names for Birds campaign
- Growing awareness of bias in science
- A viral 2020 incident involving Christian Cooper in Central Park
That moment triggered broader reflection within the birding community about inclusion and accessibility.
A More Inclusive Future
The renaming process will involve:
- Experts in science and communication
- Broader public participation
- A more diverse range of voices
As AOS president Colleen Handel explained:
Names have power—and they should not exclude people from enjoying nature.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about birds.
It’s about:
- Making science more inclusive
- Removing barriers to participation
- Acknowledging history honestly
And ultimately:
👉 Helping more people feel welcome in nature and conservation
The Bigger Picture 🌍
Birds are already facing huge challenges:
- Habitat loss
- Climate change
- Pollution
The AOS believes that protecting them requires:
👉 More people engaged, not fewer
The Takeaway
For over a century, bird names told stories about people.
Now, they’ll tell stories about:
👉 the birds themselves—their beauty, their habitats, and their lives.
And for many, that’s a change long overdue. 🐦✨