American Ornithologists' Union
Encyclopedia
The American Ornithologists' Union (AOU) is an ornithological
organization in the USA. Unlike the National Audubon Society
, its members are primarily professional ornithologists rather than amateur birders
. It is a member of the Ornithological Council
.
It was founded in September 1883 by Elliott Coues
, Joel Asaph Allen
, and William Brewster
.
Its quarterly journal, The Auk
, has been published since January, 1884. Other significant publications include the AOU Checklist of North American Birds
, which is the standard reference work for the field, and a monograph
series, Ornithological Monographs.
The South American Classification Committee (SACC), an official committee under the AOU, specifically deals with creating a standard classification
, with English names
, for the bird species of South America
.
Ornithology
Ornithology is a branch of zoology that concerns the study of birds. Several aspects of ornithology differ from related disciplines, due partly to the high visibility and the aesthetic appeal of birds...
organization in the USA. Unlike the National Audubon Society
National Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society is an American non-profit environmental organization dedicated to conservation. Incorporated in 1905, Audubon is one of the oldest of such organizations in the world and uses science, education and grassroots advocacy to advance its conservation mission...
, its members are primarily professional ornithologists rather than amateur birders
Birdwatching
Birdwatching or birding is the observation of birds as a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement device like binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds. Birding often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are...
. It is a member of the Ornithological Council
Ornithological Council
The Ornithological Council is an association of ornithological organisations based in the Americas involved in bird study and conservation. It was incorporated in Washington, D.C. in 1992 as a not-for-profit organization...
.
It was founded in September 1883 by Elliott Coues
Elliott Coues
Elliott Coues was an American army surgeon, historian, ornithologist and author.Coues was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He graduated at Columbian University, Washington, D.C., in 1861, and at the Medical school of that institution in 1863...
, Joel Asaph Allen
Joel Asaph Allen
Joel Asaph Allen was an American zoologist and ornithologist, born in Springfield, Massachusetts.He studied at Harvard University under Louis Agassiz...
, and William Brewster
William Brewster (ornithologist)
William Brewster was an American ornithologist. He was the curator of birds at the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University from 1885 until his death. He was the co-founder, with Elliott Coues and Joel Asaph Allen, of the American Ornithologists' Union in 1883...
.
Its quarterly journal, The Auk
The Auk
The Auk is a quarterly journal and the official publication of the American Ornithologists' Union, having been continuously published by that body since 1884. The journal contains articles relating scientific studies of the anatomy, behavior, and distribution of birds. The journal is named for the...
, has been published since January, 1884. Other significant publications include the AOU Checklist of North American Birds
AOU Checklist of North American Birds
The AOU Checklist of North American Birds is the official source for taxonomy of birds in North America. It is published by the American Ornithologists' Union. The North American Classification Committee considers proposals related to classification and nomenclature, and produces the Checklist...
, which is the standard reference work for the field, and a monograph
Monograph
A monograph is a work of writing upon a single subject, usually by a single author.It is often a scholarly essay or learned treatise, and may be released in the manner of a book or journal article. It is by definition a single document that forms a complete text in itself...
series, Ornithological Monographs.
The South American Classification Committee (SACC), an official committee under the AOU, specifically deals with creating a standard classification
Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the science of identifying and naming species, and arranging them into a classification. The field of taxonomy, sometimes referred to as "biological taxonomy", revolves around the description and use of taxonomic units, known as taxa...
, with English names
Common name
A common name of a taxon or organism is a name in general use within a community; it is often contrasted with the scientific name for the same organism...
, for the bird species of South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
.