Why join the American Ornithological Society (AOS)?
An AOS membership connects you to an extensive network of thousands of dedicated scientists from academia, government, and nonprofit organizations, and with other individuals working across borders and disciplines. See information in our AOS Member Welcome Packet to learn more!
Updated Member Rates & Categories for 2025
To better support ornithologists throughout the world, the AOS is simplifying its membership categories and creating a more equitable dues structure for our members, including members from special countries. Beginning with the 2025 membership renewal cycle, new and renewing members will see the following changes:
- Postdocs will be included in the Early Professional membership category ($55).
- All students will be included within a single Student membership category ($25). The two previous student categories are now combined into a single tier.
- The classification of special countries for determining eligibility for a reduced membership rate now aligns more closely with World Bank designations. Instead of a separate Special Country membership tier with a flat fee, individuals from qualifying special countries receive a 75% discount on the membership dues for their respective category. To qualify, an individual must reside in a country identified by the World Bank as one of the following economies: (1) low-income economy, (2) lower-middle income economy, or (3) upper-middle-income economy. The list of qualifying countries can be found here.
- Those joining or renewing at the Early Professional, Regular, or Emeritus/Retired membership level now have an option to purchase either a one-year or two-year membership.
If you have any questions, please contact AOS Membership & Data Operations Manager, Chris Mulvaney at cmulvaney@americanornithology.org.
Not a member yet?
- If you have previously created an account in the Member Portal, enter your username and password and then you will be taken directly to the membership form.
- If you have not previously created an account, click the Register Now! link on the sign-in page. After setting up your account, click the JOIN or RENEW MEMBERSHIP option under the Membership Info section of your profile.
- Paper versions of AOS Membership Renewal forms are also available for those who prefer them. Please download the appropriate form and follow the instructions for renewing your AOS membership. Please allow 3-4 weeks processing time for your account to be updated when renewing by mail. You may receive additional renewal reminders until your check has been processed.
AOS membership benefits include:
- Unlimited online access to Ornithology and Ornithological Applications.
- No author page charges to publish in AOS journals as a corresponding author, plus a 25% discount on optional open access fees.
- Free access to Birds of the World, the most comprehensive and authoritative resource available on the biology of the world’s birds.
- 25% discount on Oxford University Press books.
- 30% discount with Princeton University Press.
- Eligibility for prestigious awards and research grants and access to a range of professional development opportunities.
- Discounted registration for our annual meeting.
- Discount on ZEISS products thanks to a special offer from ZEISS specifically for AOS members. Current members can visit the AOS Member Portal for more details.
AOS Member Welcome Packet
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The AOS offers varied resources and supports for AOS members. As a member of the AOS, you play a critical role in helping the Society promote connections and collaborations among ornithologists across the Americas and the world, fostering a more diverse population of ornithologists. Read through our AOS Member Welcome Packet to learn more about the AOS, our governing structure, and the various opportunities to engage in our collective efforts to support the professional goals of our members and encourage, promote, and support the study of birds by building a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable ornithological community. We remain steadfast in our bird conservation efforts, aspiring to make our world a more bird-friendly place.
Membership categories and rates
All prices listed are $USD. Please note that all memberships (except for Life Memberships) expire on 31 December of the year they are purchased, regardless of the purchase date. During the period 1 August–31 December, membership fees are prorated based on the time remaining in the calendar year.
Special Country Discount: Individuals from qualifying special countries receive a 75% discount on their annual membership fee. To be eligible, the individual’s HOME address in their AOS Member Portal profile must be from a country with one of the following economic designations as determined by the World Bank: (1) low-income economy, (2) lower-middle income economy, or (3) upper-middle-income economy. The list of qualifying countries can be found here.
Eligible individuals will automatically receive the 75% discount in their shopping cart when purchasing their membership in the Member Portal.
| Regular $90 | For individuals who do not choose or qualify for another membership category. A second regular membership from the same household, or family membership, is an additional $32 per year. |
| Student $25 | Available to any currently enrolled students (pre-college, undergraduate, graduate) or recent graduates who are between degree-seeking programs and intend to re-enter a degree program in the future. (If you have not previously been a member, you may also qualify for an AOS-sponsored student membership!) |
| Early Professional/Postdoc $55 | Available to individuals who have completed their terminal degree within the past five years. |
| Emeritus/Retired $32 | Available to individuals who are retired and/or have been an AOS member (including AOU or COS) for 40 years or more. |
| Life Membership $2,880 | Payment may be made in a one-time payment or in four installments of $720. Life memberships require no annual renewal, and the fee contributes directly to the AOS’s Council-designated General Endowment Fund. |
| Contributing Membership $500/yr | Contributing members are recognized annually on our website. The contribution value of the membership is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. |
| Gift Membership | Gift memberships can be purchased for one or more individuals. Standard rates per appropriate member category will apply. Purchase a gift membership to the AOS. |