American Ornithological Society to name birds after people

The American Ornithological Society has declared that birds in North America will no longer be named after individuals. They have disclosed their intent to rename approximately 80 species found in the US and Canada, commencing next year. This move follows the renaming of a bird, previously named after Confederate Army General John P McCown, in 2020.

The organization’s president, Colleen Handel, emphasized the significance of names, citing how certain English bird names, associated with a troubling past, can perpetuate exclusion and harm in the present.

Among the birds to be renamed are the Wilson’s warbler and Wilson’s snipe, both initially named after Alexander Wilson, a 19th-century naturalist. According to Emily Williams, an ornithologist at Georgetown University, the decision was met with enthusiasm within the birdwatching community. She noted that discussions about bird names have been heated over the years.

The National Audubon Society, however, stated that they would not change their name, despite calls for such a change due to the historical associations of John James Audubon, the person for whom the organization is named. Critics and even some members within the society have pointed out that Audubon was part of a family that owned slaves.

Susan Bell, chair of the National Audubon Society’s Board of Directors, recognized that the name represents more than just one person’s work and stressed the need to address the racist legacy associated with Audubon.

The discussion surrounding bird names has taken place against the backdrop of a broader conversation about discrimination faced by African-Americans while enjoying outdoor activities. The Central Park incident, where Christian Cooper, an African-American birdwatcher, was subjected to discrimination by a white woman, Amy Cooper, brought this issue to the forefront. Amy Cooper’s call to the police led to charges against Christian, although these charges were later dropped. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by African-Americans in outdoor settings.