Bird Names 2026
In *Bird Names (2026)*, director Aliya-Jasmine Sovani turns a spotlight on a quietly controversial corner of the birding world: nearly 150 species names across North America that carry colonial baggage and fail to reflect modern values.
Director: Aliya-Jasmine Sovani
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bird Names (2026) about?
*Bird Names* shines a light on outdated bird names in North America—nearly 150 of them—that still carry colonial and racist undertones. The film brings together birders and scientists to question what these labels preserve, ignore, or erase from our understanding of nature.
Who directed Bird Names?
The film is directed by Aliya-Jasmine Sovani, a filmmaker whose work often explores the intersection of culture, identity, and the natural world.
Who stars in Bird Names?
The documentary features prominent voices in ornithology and activism, including Tykee James and Pepakiye Ashley Cooper, alongside other keen birders and conservation experts.
Is Bird Names (2026) worth watching?
With its fresh perspective and concise 22-minute runtime, *Bird Names* offers a timely conversation about language and legacy in conservation. While unrated, its thoughtful approach makes it a compelling watch for nature lovers and anyone interested in how words shape our view of the world.
How long is Bird Names?
The film runs for 22 minutes.
About Bird Names (2026) — A Short Film Unpacking Colonial Bird Names and What's Next
In *Bird Names (2026)*, director Aliya-Jasmine Sovani turns a spotlight on a quietly controversial corner of the birding world: nearly 150 species names across North America that carry colonial baggage and fail to reflect modern values. This 22-minute documentary follows passionate ornithologists and activists as they unpack what these names really honor—or erase—from the natural history lexicon. Shot with a keen eye for the interplay between ornithology and social history, the film blends quiet reverence for avian life with sharp conversations about identity, legacy, and who gets to define the language of nature.
With its tight runtime and focused scope, *Bird Names* delivers a bite-sized but potent meditation on conservation, culture, and the power of naming. The atmosphere is thoughtful rather than combative, inviting viewers to reflect on how language shapes our relationship with the wild and what it might mean to reimagine our shared natural heritage.