Why dozens of birds are being renamed across North America

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Dozens of bird species will have their English names changed in an attempt to avoid associations with “historic bias” and exclusionary practices. The American Ornithological Society said the decision was being made “in an effort to address past wrongs and engage far more people in the enjoyment, protection, and study of birds”. This includes changing all English-language names of birds within its geographic jurisdiction named directly after people or other names that are deemed “offensive and exclusionary”. The American Ornithological Society said the decision was being made ‘in an effort to address past wrongs and engage far more people in the enjoyment, protection, and study of birds’ A new committee will also be established to oversee the assignment of English common names of species within the AOS jurisdiction.