A new report released at the 90th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference reveals a concerning trend: widespread declines in American bird populations across all habitats.
The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report, produced by a coalition of leading science and conservation organizations, identifies 229 species in need of urgent conservation action.
This report comes five years after a landmark 2019 study documented the staggering loss of 3 billion birds in North America over the past 50 years.
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The new findings indicate the decline is continuing, with more than one-third of U.S. bird species now classified as being of high or moderate conservation concern.
Key Findings:
- Tipping Point Species: 112 species have lost more than 50 percent of their populations in the last 50 years.
- Red-Alert Species: 42 species, including the Allen’s Hummingbird, Tricolored Blackbird, and Saltmarsh Sparrow, face perilously low populations and require immediate intervention.
- Duck Population Decline: Duck populations, previously a positive trend, have recently begun to decline.
“We have clear evidence that conservation works in halting declines,” said Michael J. Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy (ABC). “What we now need more than ever are programs and funding that match the scale of the greatest challenges birds face today. The science is solid on how to reverse the damage done, but to succeed, these issues need to be taken seriously.”
The report highlights the impact of habitat loss, environmental degradation, and extreme weather events on bird populations.
“The rapid declines in birds signal the intensifying stressors that wildlife and people alike are experiencing around the world,” said Dr. Amanda Rodewald, Faculty Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Center for Avian Population Studies.
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The report also emphasizes the economic significance and well-being benefits of birdwatching. With nearly 100 million Americans participating in birding activities, the total economic output related to birdwatching is $279 billion, supporting 1.4 million jobs. Furthermore, encounters with birds have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
Despite the alarming trends, the report offers hope, emphasizing that conservation efforts can be successful with adequate support.
“Many bird populations are struggling. But a proven blueprint for success is science-based planning and collaborative investment in habitat conservation,” said Dr. Steve Adair, Ducks Unlimited Chief Scientist.
The report highlights successful conservation efforts, such as wetland habitat conservation, conservation ranching, and coastal restoration.
“Fortunately, many of the actions that are good for birds are good for us. When we protect the habitats that birds rely upon, we also protect the ecosystem services that sustain us,” said Rodewald.
The report urges immediate action to protect bird populations, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across the political spectrum.
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