Purpose of the Session

This workshop will introduce participants to authorship opportunities with Birds of the World (BOW), including what is involved in contributing or updating species accounts, the support available to authors, and how participation can strengthen Caribbean ornithological knowledge and conservation. The session will also highlight priority Caribbean species accounts in need of updates or new contributions and encourage collaboration among regional experts and emerging researchers.

Background and Rationale

Birds of the World is one of the most widely used online ornithological references, providing comprehensive, peer-reviewed species accounts used by researchers, conservation practitioners, educators, birders, and students around the world. However, many Caribbean species accounts—particularly for threatened species or those with important recent research findings—remain outdated or incomplete.

At the same time, there is tremendous expertise within the Caribbean bird conservation community that is underrepresented in global ornithological literature. Contributing to species accounts offers an opportunity for regional experts, researchers, students, and conservation practitioners to share knowledge, strengthen scientific visibility, and ensure that Caribbean birds are accurately represented in this important resource.

This workshop aims to demystify the authorship process, showcase recently completed accounts, and recruit both experienced and emerging contributors to help improve coverage of Caribbean species in Birds of the World.

Session Objectives

• Introduce participants to Birds of the World and its role in ornithology and conservation
• Explain authorship opportunities, expectations, and available support for contributors
• Highlight priority Caribbean species accounts in need of updates or new authors
• Showcase examples of recently completed species accounts and author experiences
• Recruit and encourage potential contributors from across the Caribbean region

Session Structure and Format

This interactive session will combine a short presentation, featured examples, and facilitated discussion. The workshop will begin with an overview of Birds of the World, including how species accounts are structured, what authorship involves, and the types of support and guidance available to contributors.

Facilitators will then showcase selected recently completed Caribbean species accounts and present a “Most Wanted” list of species accounts that particularly need updating or new authors, including threatened species and accounts with significant new information since publication. 

The second half of the session will function as an informal “author recruitment and networking open house,” allowing participants to ask questions, discuss potential species interests, explore collaboration opportunities, and meet one-on-one with facilitators. Visual displays featuring priority species and account needs will help stimulate discussion and networking throughout the session.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, students, and early-career professionals interested in Caribbean ornithology, scientific writing, and species conservation.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased awareness of authorship opportunities with Birds of the World
• Recruitment of new contributors and collaborators for Caribbean species accounts
• Improved understanding of the account development and review process
• Expanded regional participation and representation in global ornithological resources
• Identification of priority species accounts and potential authors for future updates