It’s funny, isn’t it? We often think of scientific names as these grand, Latinate pronouncements, but when it comes to birds, the English names we use can carry a whole lot of history, and sometimes, that history isn't exactly something to celebrate.
Just recently, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) made some waves with their 2024 Check-list changes. We’re talking about things like a “wrenaissance” for House Wrens, and some species getting split or lumped. But what really caught my eye, and I suspect many others too, was the announcement from late 2023: the AOS is actively changing English bird names that are named after people. This isn't just a cosmetic tweak; it's a thoughtful move towards inclusivity.
As the AOS president put it, “There is power in a name, and some English bird names have associations with the past that continue to be exclusionary and harmful today.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply. Names, after all, are more than just labels. They can shape our perceptions, and if a name carries the weight of problematic history, it can indeed make certain spaces feel unwelcoming. The society’s leadership, along with their NACC and Diversity and Inclusion Committees, have been working diligently on nomenclature policies to ensure everyone feels welcome in the world of ornithology.
It makes you pause and think about the names we use every day. Are they just functional, or do they tell a story? And if they tell a story, is it one we want to keep telling? This shift by the AOS is a powerful reminder that language evolves, and so should our understanding of how names impact communities. It’s about making sure that when we talk about a bird, we’re focusing on the bird itself, its unique characteristics, and its place in the natural world, rather than on potentially divisive historical associations.
This isn't about erasing history, but about consciously choosing names that reflect our current values and foster a more welcoming environment for everyone who shares a passion for our feathered friends. It’s a subtle, yet significant, step in ensuring that the language we use to describe nature is as inclusive as nature itself.
