American Ornithological Society to Rename North American Birds Due to Racist Pasts

The American Ornithological Society will change the names of North American birds currently named after people, along with any other bird names considered offensive or exclusionary. The decision is aimed at avoiding honoring historical figures with racist pasts. The society's move has sparked debate, with some arguing that usage, not committees, determines the names of things. However, the organization believes renaming the birds will make birding more inclusive.