A major breakthrough in global bird taxonomy has been announced with the launch of AviList, a unified checklist Containing 11,131 species, 19,879 subspecies, 2,376 genera, 252 families and 46 orders.
Developed by leading institutions including BirdLife International, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the International Ornithologists’ Union, AviList brings together previously conflicting lists into a single, authoritative standard.
This collaboration resolves long-standing confusion in bird classification and creates a powerful tool for conservation, research, legislation, and birding. This single unified global taxonomic list for birds removes the current confusion and uncertainty resulting from the existence of multiple lists.
“It will make it easier for birders, scientists, policymakers and conservationists to share information, use and link different online platforms, and share a common understanding of avian distribution, ecology and conservation priorities,” says Dr Stuart Butchart, Chief Scientist at BirdLife.
For African conservationists, the standardisation offered by AviList can support more consistent data reporting and conservation planning across borders, particularly in transboundary ecosystems. Africa is home to over 2,300 bird species, many of which are migratory, vulnerable, or endemic.
Why it matters:
- Consolidated taxonomic names eliminate confusion and improve data-sharing across conservation, legislation, research, and citizen science.
- Standardised taxonomy enhances legal protection effectiveness by ensuring laws reference the same species across regions.
How it was done:
- The team used an “integrative species concept,” reviewing evidence from morphology, genetics, vocalisations, ecology, distribution, and reproductive isolation.
- Decisions on breaking or lumping species were reached through group votes—eight experts contributing to taxonomy resolutions.
Paused taxonomic splits:
- Early debates included contentious cases like the Green-winged/Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca/carolinensis). Genetic data revealed substantial gene flow meant unification rather than splitting was warranted.
Access & future updates:
- AviList is now available for free download from avilist.org, with supports for databases, legislation, field guides, research, and education.
- The working group plans annual reviews and updates, as new research unfolds and species concepts evolve.
AviList is freely available at www.avilist.org, with annual updates planned. It will be integrated into global birding platforms like eBird and Avibase, providing a shared language for anyone working to protect the world’s birds.
Header image: European Starling murmuration over Pool Harbour, Bournemouth. Tanya Hart.
