The Cooper’s hawk, one of the many Albertan birds to receive a new name.

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) has recently announced a new initiative for birds under its jurisdiction. Come 2024, all North American birds named after people will be renamed. The initial round of renaming efforts will focus on approximately 70 to 80 species across the U.S. and Canada.

AOS president Colleen Handel says, “There is power in a name, and some English bird names have associations with the past that continue to be exclusionary and harmful today. We need a much more inclusive and engaging scientific process that focuses attention on the unique features and beauty of the birds themselves.”

The AOS will institute a new committee to oversee its renaming efforts. In reaching out to individuals from the social sciences, communications, ornithology, and taxonomy, the organization hopes to create a committee with a diverse academic background. Further, the AOS plans to include the public in its name selection process.

The organization has previously changed the name of a bird species found in southern Alberta. The bird, originally named in honour of Confederate Army general, John P. McCown, was renamed the thick-billed longspur in 2020.