The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has announced its plan to remove all human names from the common names of birds in the US and Canada. The move comes as part of an effort to create a more inclusive environment for bird watchers and ornithologists. The AOS aims to reflect on the traits and habitats of birds rather than linking them to historical figures with racist or genocidal histories.

The AOS will engage in a public process to rename 70 to 80 bird species. The process will prioritize removing names linked to slavery, white supremacy, and the desecration of Indigenous graves. The committee responsible for recommendations will remove all honorific human names to avoid potential value judgments about the character and morality of individuals from the past.

The new bird names will be descriptive, focusing on the bird's appearance, song, or habitat. The goal is to make bird watching and ornithology more accessible and enjoyable for people from diverse backgrounds. The change is seen as a major shift in how bird names are perceived and an opportunity to create evocative and beautiful descriptions of the birds themselves.

While not all birders are expected to welcome the change, the AOS believes that the decision will help break down barriers to participation and engage more people in the study, enjoyment, and conservation of birds. The project is set to begin next year, and the scientific names of the birds will remain unchanged.

Overall, this move by the AOS represents a significant step towards inclusivity and a more thoughtful approach to naming the bird species in the US and Canada.