Birds won't be named after humans anymore in an effort to eliminate racist links

A number of North American bird species are currently named after historically racist figures

A Scott's oriole
The Scott's oriole is among the birds that will have their name changed
(Image credit: Stock Photo via Getty Images)

North American bird species that are named after humans are being renamed in an effort to eliminate ties to racist figures, the American Ornithological Society announced Wednesday. 

In a statement, the Ornithological Society, which is responsible for the naming of bird species across the continent, said it "commits to changing all English-language names of birds within its geographic jurisdiction that are named directly after people." Toward that end, the society said, it's "establishing a new committee to oversee the assignment of all English common names for species."

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.