“Feathers Fly as American Ornithological Society Considers Renaming Birds Named After People”

The American Ornithological Society is considering a controversial proposal to rename all birds named after people, including well-known species like Bachman’s Sparrow, Scott’s Oriole, and Townsend’s Warbler. This move comes as part of a broader effort to remove links to racism and colonialism from bird names without engaging in lengthy debates about the historical figures they honor.

Last year, the society announced its plan to rename over a hundred North and South American birds, sparking both support and opposition within the birding community. This week, at the society’s annual meeting in Colorado, a forum will be held to discuss the bird renaming plan, allowing opponents and proponents to voice their opinions.

The proposal to rename all eponymous bird names gained traction following heightened awareness of social justice issues in birding, particularly after the killing of George Floyd and an incident involving a Black birder in New York. The renaming initiative aims to address problematic bird names and replace them with new names highlighting each bird’s key features.

While some argue for a case-by-case approach to renaming birds, others support the sweeping change as a way to remove offensive names and honor birds without ties to controversial historical figures. The society’s decision to rename all birds named after people has sparked debate among ornithologists and bird enthusiasts, with concerns raised about erasing important ornithology history embedded in names.

Despite the controversy, the society moved forward with a pilot project to rename six birds, which received community support. The results of this project will guide future renaming efforts, with input from members shaping the plans moving forward.

Overall, the debate over renaming birds named after people reflects broader discussions about confronting the past and addressing problematic historical figures. While some advocate for a comprehensive approach to renaming all eponymous bird names, others argue for a more nuanced and thoughtful process that considers the historical context of each bird species. The outcome of this debate will shape the future of bird names and the way they reflect our understanding of history and society.