State of the Birds Report Index Page

Smart conservation relies on innovative, science-based ideas. In an effort to make the best decisions for our bird conservation work, The Nature Conservancy has joined with government wildlife agencies and conservation groups to produce this first comprehensive analysis of the state of our nation’s birds.

Scientists used long-term trend data to create bird population indicators for major U.S. habitats, reflecting the health of these habitats and the environmental effects of these population changes.

The results are sobering: bird populations in many habitats are declining—a warning signal of the failing health of our ecosystems. At the same time, we see heartening evidence that strategic land management and conservation action can reverse declines of birds. Many waterfowl have undergone significant increases in the past 40 years, a testament to conservation efforts resulting in gains in wetlands for the first time in our nation’s history.

So what is going on? Why have these bird populations shifted so dramatically, and what does it mean for our planet’s ecosystems?

Birds make a difference in all of our lives – as a measure of our environment’s health, a sign of things to come, or as a surprise visitor on a midday hike. As evidenced in some habitats, such as wetlands, we can return the favor and make a difference for birds, too.

Explore

Explore our bird habitat map and learn about some of the rare and threatened species that live in each location.

StateOfTheBirds.org

Visit the State of the Birds website for more information on the report and the community of organizations who produced it.

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Make a gift to the Migratory Bird Program and you'll help to protect thousands of bird species throughout the Americas.

The Nature Conservancy is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.

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