Bird Renaming Initiative Announced by US Ornithological Society

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In a significant move towards inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, the American Ornithological Society has announced its decision to rename several bird species in the US and Canada. 

These changes will replace names associated with individuals, especially those with racist histories, with names inspired by the birds' habitats and characteristics.

The decision is aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment for bird-watching enthusiasts and addressing a long-standing issue in the field. 

Approximately 70 to 80 bird species are set to undergo this transformation.

The society's CEO, Judith Scarl, emphasized the need to move away from exclusionary naming conventions developed in the 1800s, which were marred by racism and misogyny. 

The focus is now redirected towards celebrating the avian creatures themselves.

Birds such as Wilson's warbler and Wilson's snipe, named after 19th Century naturalist Alexander Wilson, are among those slated for renaming. 

This follows a previous renaming in 2020 when a bird named after a Confederate Army general, John P McCown, was rebranded as the thick-billed longspur.

The AOS is taking steps to ensure a comprehensive and fair approach to assigning new names. 

They will establish a committee comprising individuals with expertise in social sciences, communications, ornithology, and taxonomy. 

Additionally, the public will have a role in this renaming process.

These changes are described as "momentous decisions" by the organization and represent a significant shift towards eliminating exclusionary English bird names. 

This initiative aligns with broader efforts in various fields to address historical legacies that perpetuate harm and exclusion.

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