Canada

August is traditionally when we update eBird records with recent advances in bird taxonomy. However, this year’s update is postponed due to ongoing improvements to the eBird database. Once our database upgrades are complete we will update your records with the latest splits, lumps, name changes, and more.

Although the date for the next update is not yet scheduled, expect more announcements about eBird Taxonomy updates in early 2021.

Why does the taxonomy update take so long? 

Taxonomy updates occur annually because of the complicated technical process involving synchronization across databases, applications, publications, and languages. We incorporate updates based on changes published by the American Ornithological Society (AOS) as well as other new information and revisions from international taxonomic organizations.

This process takes time, and does not reflect any hesitancy on our part to adopt changes published in other taxonomies. On the contrary, we wish the technical process for eBird taxonomy updates could be more instantaneous! We appreciate your patience. Read more about the eBird Taxonomy