Bird taxonomy is expected to undergo an important global update in October or November 2026, with the release of AviList v2026, alongside the annual update of the eBird/Clements Checklist.

AviList, the global bird checklist, is an international initiative that aims to provide a unified taxonomic reference for the world’s birds through collaboration among leading taxonomic experts and institutions. Its first edition was published in June 2025, and annual updates are planned.

The 2026 update is expected to include several taxonomic and nomenclatural changes, including:

▪️ Splitting certain species into two or more distinct species (splits).

▪️ Merging some species (lumps).

▪️ Recognizing newly accepted species.

▪️ Changes to scientific names or genus classifications.

▪️ Updates to taxonomic and distributional information.

AviList has indicated that several proposals are currently under review by its Taxonomic Committee (TaxCom). However, these proposals should not be considered final decisions until the new edition is officially published.

Proposed changes of particular interest to Libya

Some of the proposals currently under consideration may be especially relevant to North Africa and Libya’s bird checklist.

1. Maghreb Wheatear – Oenanthe halophila

A proposal has been put forward to split the Maghreb Wheatear from the Mourning Wheatear (Oenanthe lugens). This is a particularly noteworthy proposal for North Africa.

2. Mediterranean Flycatcher – Muscicapa tyrrhenica

A proposal has been put forward to split the Mediterranean Flycatcher from the Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata).

3. Little Swift – Apus affinis

A taxonomic proposal suggests merging the Little Swift (Apus affinis) with the House Swift (Apus nipalensis).

4. The genus Emberiza

A proposal seeks to reorganize the genus Emberiza into several separate genera. If adopted in the final AviList v2026 update, this change could affect the scientific names and classification of several bunting species recorded in Libya.

Why is this update important for researchers and birdwatchers?

Taxonomic changes can affect species totals, national bird checklists, biodiversity databases, eBird lists, scientific studies, and long-term monitoring datasets.

For example, the 2025 Clements Checklist update added 40 species through splits and removed 18 through lumps, bringing the global total to 11,167 species in that edition.

The release of AviList v2026 and the 2026 eBird/Clements update will therefore be important for reviewing national bird checklists, including Libya’s, and determining whether any currently recorded species will undergo changes in their taxonomic status.

Note: All the proposals mentioned above remain under consideration and should not be treated as final taxonomic decisions until the relevant official checklist updates are published