Organizing Societies
Founded in 1922 as the New England Bird Banding Association, The Association of Field Ornithologists (AFO) is one of the world’s major societies of professional and avocational ornithologists dedicated to the scientific study and dissemination of information about birds in their natural habitats. AFO encourages the participation of avocational research and emphasizes the conservation biology of birds. For more information, visit: https://afonet.org/
Founded in 1916, Aves Argentinas celebrates 110 years of work for the conservation of wild birds and their habitats. It is the oldest environmental organization in South America and BirdLife International’s national partner in Argentina. With over 4,000 members, its work integrates conservation, science, education, outreach, and engagement with local communities. Its Scientific Department promotes ornithological research and scientific collaboration through research grants, scientific publications, conferences, and citizen science initiatives. For more information, visit: https://avesargentinas.org.ar/
The Neotropical Ornithological Society (NOS) is a non-profit organization that promotes the scientific study of birds and their habitats in the Neotropical Region. NOS was founded in 1987 by Dr. Mario A. Ramos Olmos. NOS disseminates scientific research through our website, our journal Ornitología Neotropical, and the Neotropical Ornithological Congress, a scientific conference held every four years. NOS members include researchers, bird enthusiasts, research institutions, and libraries from all over the world. For more information, visit: https://ornitologianeotropical.org/
Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile (ROC) is a community of birders and ornithologists that connects public engagement with scientific knowledge and conservation action. ROC has managed eBird Chile since 2009, published Latin America’s first Atlas of Breeding Birds in 2018, and runs important monitoring schemes. ROC also works on the ground with local communities and promotes public policy on issues like light pollution and coastal ecosystem protection. For more information, visit: https://www.redobservadores.cl/
The Brazilian Ornithological Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 to advance the study and appreciation of birds in Brazil. It brings together people interested in ornithology, promotes the development of the field, and represents the Brazilian ornithological community at both the national and international levels. The Society also organizes and supports courses, meetings, and congresses, disseminates ornithological knowledge, and fosters collaboration through specialized groups dedicated to ornithological research and discussion. For more information, visit:
https://ararajuba.org.br/
The Society of Canadian Ornithologists advances Canadian ornithology by fostering a strong professional community, supporting innovative research, and sharing knowledge through scientific publications and communications. It champions vidence-based advocacy, collaborates with partners in Canada and internationally to promote bird conservation, and recognizes excellence in research, conservation, and mentorship while promoting diverse voices and perspectives across the ornithological community. For more information, visit: https://www.sco-soc.ca/
Steering Committee
From Argentina
- Cynthia Ursino. Scientific Department, AA
- Ignacio “Kini” Roesler. President, NOS
- Valentina Ferretti. CONICET, Past President AFO
From Brazil
- Caio Graco Machado. President, SBO
- Carla Suertegaray Fontana. Councilor, SBO. Neotropical Outreach Committee, AFO. Researcher at the Center of Ecology (UFRGS), Graduate Program on Animal Biodiversity (UFSM), and IGRÉ Environmental Association
From Canada
- Jennifer Foote. Vice President SCO. Algoma University, Ontario
From Chile
- Fernando Medrano. Science Director, ROC. Global Partnerships Lead, Birds of the World (Cornell Lab)
From the United States
- Rebecka Brasso, Weber State University. President, AFO
- Jennifer Smith, Texas A&M University–Kingsville. Vice President, AFO
- Matthew B. Shumar, The Ohio State University. Past President, AFO
Communications Committee
- Agustina Torretta, Association of Field Ornithologists (Argentina)
- Carla Suertegaray Fontana, Sociedade Brasileira de Ornitología (Brazil)
- Cynthia Fonseca, Red de Observadores de Aves y Vida Silvestre de Chile (Chile)
- Matías Cabezas, Neotropical Ornithological Society (Argentina)
- Milagros Jefferies, Aves Argentinas (Argentina)
- Suelen Dariva, Sociedade Brasileira de Ornitología (Brazil)
