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Commission on German
Names for Birds of the World

The Commission on “German Names of the World’s Birds” is a permanent body of the German Ornithological Society (DOG). It maintains the official list of German names for all bird species found worldwide. In doing so, it establishes a uniform foundation for research, nature conservation, education, and public communication. The list strictly follows the IOC World Bird List and ensures traceability, consistency, and international comparability.

Current Edition - The Birds of the Earth

The Birds of the World
Peter H. Barthel, Christine Barthel, Einhard Bezzel, Pascal Eckhoff, Renate van den Elzen, Christoph Hinkelmann & Frank D. Steinheimer (2022): The Birds of the World—Species, Subspecies, Distribution, and German Names. 3rd edition. Vogelwarte 60, Special Issue: 1–540.

© German Ornithological Society, Radolfzell 2022

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17617/2.3418299

Donwload-Icon The Birds of the Earth (World Species List 2022) — 3rd Revised Edition

Publications

Current edition of *Birds of the World*

The Birds of the Earth (World Species List 2022) - 3rd Revised Edition

The Birds of the World
Peter H. Barthel, Christine Barthel, Einhard Bezzel, Pascal Eckhoff, Renate van den Elzen, Christoph Hinkelmann & Frank D. Steinheimer (2022): The Birds of the World—Species, Subspecies, Distribution, and German Names. 3rd edition. Vogelwarte 60, Special Issue: 1–540.

© German Ornithological Society, Radolfzell 2022

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  1. The Birds of the World (World Species List 2022) – 3rd expanded edition

DOI

  1. DOI—The Birds of the World

Previous editions

2nd Edition

The Birds of the Earth (World Species List 2021)
Even the second edition was too extensive for print, as it also includes all subspecies. It was therefore published exclusively as a PDF on the DOG website.

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  1.  2nd Edition - The Birds of the World (World Species List 2021)

 

1st Edition

German Names of the Birds of the World (2020)
A first version appeared in print in Issue 1 of *Vogelwarte*, Volume 58 (June 2, 2020). This version is limited to the essential information, namely the German, scientific, and English species names.

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  1. 1st Edition - German Names of the Birds of the World (2020)
Donwload-Icon Download the Commission's Guidelines on Bird Names

Spokesperson

Commission for the Checklist of the Birds of Germany, Commission for German Names of the Birds of the World Portrait
Peter H. Barthel Commission for the Checklist of the Birds of Germany, Commission for German Names of the Birds of the World
Mail Icon redaktion@limicola.de Globus Icon Go to website Fokus

Bird identification, systematics and nomenclature, avifaunistics, nature conservation

1987–2012 editor of the journal for field ornithology “Limicola”, 1988-2011 head of the “German Rarities Committee”. Since 1992 coordinator of the committees “Checklist of the Birds of Germany” and “German Names of the Birds of the World” of the DOG.

Members

Frank D. Steinheimer Commission on German Names of the Birds of the World
Pascal Eckhoff Commission for German Names of the Birds of the World
Christoph Hinkelmann Commission of German Names of the Birds of the World
Manuel Schweizer Commission of German Names of the Birds of the Earth
Hartmut Meyer Commission for German Names of the Birds of the World
Hans Winkler Commission on German Names of the Birds of the World

FAQ: Commission Species List

What is the “German Names of the Birds of the World” Commission?

It is the DOG's expert committee responsible for establishing and updating the official German names of all bird species worldwide.

Why is there a global list of German species?

It ensures that German bird names are used consistently—in science, nature conservation, the media, and education. This helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures international comparability.

On what basis does the Commission operate?

The list of names strictly follows the currently valid international AviList. As a result, German, scientific, and English names are compatible worldwide.

How are new names assigned?

New names are created when species are newly discovered or redefined as a result of taxonomic splits. In doing so, the commission ensures traceability, linguistic clarity, and continuity.

Who decides on changes?

The Commission discusses proposals and decides on amendments collectively. Major changes are published in the journal *Vogelwarte* and announced on the DOG website.

How can suggestions be submitted?

Well-reasoned suggestions regarding specific bird names may be submitted to the commission. The commission will review them from a technical perspective and decide on any necessary adjustments.

How often does the commission meet?

At least once a year, preferably during the DOG Annual Conference. Additional virtual meetings may be held as needed.

Where can I find the current list of names?

The current version is published on the DOG website. Previous versions (2020, 2021, 2022) remain available for reference.

Who are the members of the commission?

The commission is composed of experienced ornithologists with expertise in systematics, nomenclature, and the history of science.