A newly released State of the Birds Report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire. Long-term trends of waterfowl show strong increases where investments in wetland conservation have improved conditions for birds and people. But data show birds in the U.S. are declining overall in every other habitat — forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans.
Published by 33 leading science and conservation organizations and agencies, the 2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report is the first comprehensive look at the nations birds since a landmark 2019 study showed the loss of nearly 3 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada in 50 years.
The report advises that meeting declining birds tremendous needs will require a strategic combination of partnerships, incentives, science-based solutions, and the will to dramatically scale up conservation efforts. In a companion document, there are three key conservation policy priorities listed to help Tipping Point species recover.
“Everyone can make a difference to help turn declines around,” said Mike Parr, President of American Bird Conservancy (ABC). “Everyone with a window can use simple solutions to prevent collisions. Everyone can help green their neighborhood and avoid using pesticides that harm birds. Everyone who lives in a neighborhood can bring the issues and solutions to their community and use their voice to take action.”
Decisive and collaborative action is particularly needed in the case of Critically Endangered Hawaiian forest birds, of which several are at risk of going extinct within the next few years. Their biggest threat is avian malaria, carried by invasive mosquitos brought to the islands by humans.
“Building upon successes in human health, there is hope and the opportunity to use naturally occurring bacteria to reduce mosquito populations, break the disease cycle, and allow the forest birds to thrive,” said Chris Farmer, Hawai‘i Program Director at ABC. “The Birds, Not Mosquitoes partnership is dedicated to developing and implementing this technique to save our remaining forest birds.”
The State of the Birds Report used five sources of data, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count, to track the health of breeding birds in habitats across the U.S.
“From grassland birds to seabirds to Hawaiian birds, we continue to see that nearly all groups of birds and types of bird habitat have declined significantly,” said Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). “The one group that is seeing an increase in population size is wetland-dependent birds, including waterfowl.”
“While a majority of bird species are declining, many waterbird populations remain healthy, thanks to decades of collaborative investments from hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies, and corporations,” said Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer for Ducks Unlimited. “This is good news not only for birds, but for the thousands of other species that rely on wetlands, and the communities that benefit from groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and flood protection.”
The report suggests that applying that winning formula in more habitats will help birds and natural resources rebound.
“The North American Waterfowl Management Plan, Federal Duck Stamp Program, grants from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and regional Joint Ventures partnerships are all part of a framework that has a proven track record with restoring and protecting wetland-dependent species,” said Williams of the FWS. “Now we want to use that precedent to work with our partners to restore bird populations, conserve habitat, and build a foundation for how we respond to the loss of other bird groups.”
Data show that the biggest population declines are among shorebirds, down by 33 percent since 1970, and grassland birds, down by 34 percent. Conservation must be stepped up to reverse these losses. Everyone can play a role in saving these species by making their voices heard in support of bird-saving legislation.
“Urgent action and funds are needed to halt biodiversity loss in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Cipolletti, Director of Conservation Advocacy at ABC. “Federal funding sources such as the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act can help fill the massive gap in funding for conservation programs managed by states, territories, and tribes. Migratory Bird Joint Ventures can play a vital role as the nexus among these organizations, bringing partners together to facilitate effective delivery of these funds for the greatest conservation success.”
Recognizing the need to work at bigger, faster scales, 200 organizations from across seven sectors in Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and Indigenous Nations are also collaborating on a Central Grasslands Roadmap to conserve one of North Americas largest and most vital ecosystems — grasslands, which span hundreds of million acres.
“People have changed our grassland landscape and people are key to its future,” said Tammy VerCauteren, Executive Director of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and a representative of the Central Grasslands Roadmap partnership. “Collectively, we are working to make a movement to save our grasslands and the people and wildlife that depend upon them. Together we can ensure Tribal sovereignty, private property rights, food security, resilient landscapes, and thriving wildlife populations.”
Given widespread declines in bird populations, the report emphasizes the need for proactive conservation across habitats and species.
“Despite best hopes and efforts, 70 Tipping Point bird species have a half life of just 50 years — meaning they will lose half their already dwindling populations in the next 50 years unless we take action,” said Dr. Peter Marra, Director of The Earth Commons — Georgetown Universitys Institute for Environment & Sustainability. “What weve outlined in this State of the Birds is a recipe for how conservation biologists can work with communities and use surgical precision to solve environmental problems — blending new technology and data to pinpoint the cause of losses and to reverse declines while we still have the best chance — now, before more birds plummet to Endangered.”
The 2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report was produced by a consortium of government agencies, private organizations, and bird initiatives led by NABCI (North American Bird Conservation Initiative). Read the report at StateoftheBirds.org.
“The rapid declines in birds signal the intensifying stresses that wildlife and people alike are experiencing around the world because of habitat loss, environmental degradation and extreme climate events. Taking action to bring birds back delivers a cascade of benefits that improve climate resilience and quality of life for people. When we restore forests, for example, we sequester carbon, reduce fire intensity, and create habitat for plants and animals. By greening cities, we provide heat relief, increase access to recreation, and create refuge for migrating birds.” — Dr. Amanda Rodewald, Director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithologys Center for Avian Population Studies
“Americas wildlife are in crisis with one-third of species at heightened risk of extinction. People and wildlife face many of the same threats, and we know that when we invest in conserving and restoring birds and other species, we also are investing in clean water, clean air, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant parks and public lands. The State of the Birds Report is a clarion call for us all to help address the wildlife crisis and equip our state, Tribal, and territorial wildlife managers with the tools and funds they need to strengthen our shared stewardship of birds and the diversity of life that depends on them.” — Corina Newsome, Associate Conservation Scientist, National Wildlife Federation
“What affects birds affects us, and birds are telling us they are in trouble. The State of the Birds Report underscores both the serious threats facing birds as well as opportunities to forge solutions that will benefit birds and the places they need. It also shows that whats good for birds is good for people when it comes to addressing threats like climate change. Ensuring healthy landscapes across our forests, grasslands, wetlands, and more will help protect birds and people alike by storing carbon, providing essential habitat, and building more climate-resilient communities.” — Marshall Johnson, Chief Conservation Officer, National Audubon Society
“This is not a time to be dismayed. This is a time for optimism, inclusivity, and action — the birds will not have it any other way. What the State of the Birds Report tells us is investment in conservation works for both birds and people. With broad strokes of engagement across communities and proactive planning, we can collectively save birds and save ourselves.” — Nikki Belmonte, Executive Director, American Birding Association
“Birds are in trouble, but we all can help bring them back. Living bird-friendly makes your home and lifestyle better for birds and the planet. Our team at the Smithsonian is working hard to study and help conserve these magnificent feathered travelers, including creating an immersive exhibit opening in winter 2023 to further connect the public to understand and protect the grand phenomenon of bird migration.” — Dr. Scott Sillett, head of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center
“Its critical that we bring the full weight of the collaborative bird monitoring community to these periodic assessments. We need to know how the birds of America are doing compared to previous assessments and the Avian Knowledge Network provides a partner-based data management platform that makes this easier and more efficient every time we do it. One thing thats clear is that continued monitoring of the plight of birds will be crucial in our ongoing conservation efforts.” — Dr. Sam Veloz, Director, Eco-Informatics and Climate Solutions, Point Blue Conservation Science, and Steering Committee Member, Avian Knowledge Network
“Western forest restoration programs that are integrating bird conservation objectives with efforts to increase climate-, fire-, and water-security for front line communities provides just one of many such opportunities outlined in this years State of The Birds Report. This report highlights our work with Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Programs showing how a small investment in bird conservation specialists leverages huge forest restoration investments to ensure they pay off for birds and people.” — Dr. John Alexander, Executive Director, Klamath Bird Observatory
“By working together we can overcome the challenges many of our birds face. Through collaboration, state and federal agencies, tribes, and nonprofit organizations turned the tide for many waterfowl and iconic species like the Bald Eagle. Given sufficient resources, like the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, we can do the same for other species before its too late.” — Ron Regan, Executive Director, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
“This years State of the Birds Report makes clear that proactive, sustained investment in at-risk species conservation is vital to the future of North Americas bird species. Congress must heed the warnings presented by the scientific community by passing proactive funding measures, such as the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, that will ensure species have a fighting chance against extinction.” — Caroline Murphy, Government Relations Manager, The Wildlife Society
“Investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, Inflation Reduction Act, America the Beautiful, and the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act may offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the 3 Billion Birds crisis.” — Dr. John Alexander, Executive Director, Klamath Bird Observatory
American Bird Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. With an emphasis on achieving results and working in partnership, we take on the greatest problems facing birds today, innovating and building on rapid advancements in science to halt extinctions, protect habitats, eliminate threats, and build capacity for bird conservation. Find us on abcbirds.org, Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter (@ABCbirds).
Action Needed—70 Bird Species Are at a Tipping Point
The State of the Birds 2022 report warns of sharp declines in bird populations in almost every habitat. According to the report, 70 Tipping Point species have seen a decline in breeding populations of at least half since 1970 and are projected to see another decline in breeding populations of at least half in the next 50 years.
Therefore, let’s assist birds before they become endangered, before it takes decades of effort, additional funding, and protections to bring them back. The quickest and most successful course of action is proactive conservation, and the time to act is now.
Your contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Act by December 31!
A newly released State of the Birds Report for the United States reveals a tale of two trends, one hopeful, one dire. Long-term trends of waterfowl show strong increases where investments in wetland conservation have improved conditions for birds and people. But data show birds in the U.S. are declining overall in every other habitat — forests, grasslands, deserts, and oceans.
Published by 33 eminent agencies and organizations dedicated to science and conservation, the 2022 U S. The State of the Birds Report is the first thorough examination of the country’s birdlife since a groundbreaking 2019 study revealed that nearly 3 billion birds have vanished in the U.S. S. and Canada in 50 years.
Findings included in the 2022 State of the Birds Report:
- More than half of U.S. bird species are declining.
- U. S. With a 34 percent decline since 1970, grassland birds are among those that are declining the fastest.
- Waterbirds and ducks in the U. S. have grown by 18% and 34%, respectively, over the same time period.
- Seventy recently discovered Tipping Point species have lost half of their populations in the last 50 years if nothing changes, and each has lost at least half in the previous 50 years. These species, which are not currently protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act, include seafaring birds like the Black-footed Albatross, beloved jewels like the Rufous Hummingbird, and songbirds like the Golden-winged Warbler.
- Less than 5,500 individual birds make up the ten most endangered species in Hawaii.
The report advises that meeting declining birds tremendous needs will require a strategic combination of partnerships, incentives, science-based solutions, and the will to dramatically scale up conservation efforts. In a companion document, there are three key conservation policy priorities listed to help Tipping Point species recover.
“Anyone can contribute to reversing declines,” stated American Bird Conservancy President Mike Parr (ABC) “Anyone with a window can avoid collisions by using easy fixes.” Nobody has to use pesticides that harm birds in their neighborhood; everyone can help make it greener. Every resident of a neighborhood has the ability to raise issues and propose solutions to their community, using their voice to effect change. ”.
In the case of the Critically Endangered Hawaiian forest birds, some of which could become extinct in the next few years, prompt and cooperative action is especially required. The primary hazard they face is avian malaria, which is spread by invading mosquitoes that humans have brought to the islands.
“Building upon successes in human health, there is hope and the opportunity to use naturally occurring bacteria to reduce mosquito populations, break the disease cycle, and allow the forest birds to thrive,” said Chris Farmer, Hawai‘i Program Director at ABC. “The Birds, Not Mosquitoes partnership is dedicated to developing and implementing this technique to save our remaining forest birds.”
The North American Breeding Bird Survey and the Christmas Bird Count were two of the five data sources used by the State of the Birds Report to monitor the condition of breeding birds in habitats across the United S.
“We continue to see that nearly all bird groups and types of bird habitat have declined significantly, from grassland birds to seabirds to Hawaiian birds,” Martha Williams, Director of the U S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The only group whose population is growing is that of wetland-dependent birds, such as waterfowl. ”.
“Many waterbird populations remain healthy, despite the fact that most bird species are declining, because of decades of cooperative investments from hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies, and corporations,” stated Dr. Karen Waldrop, Chief Conservation Officer for Ducks Unlimited. “This is good news for communities that benefit from groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, and flood protection, as well as the thousands of other species that depend on wetlands.” ”.
According to the report, using that effective formula in more habitats will aid in the recovery of birds and natural resources.
“A framework that has a proven track record with restoring and protecting wetland-dependent species is made up of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, the Federal Duck Stamp Program, grants from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, and regional Joint Ventures partnerships,” stated Williams of the FWS. “We now want to make use of that precedent to collaborate with our partners in order to protect habitat, boost bird populations, and lay the groundwork for our future response in the event that other bird groups go extinct. ”.
The largest population declines, according to data, have been seen in shorebirds, which have decreased by 33% since 1970, and grassland birds, which have decreased by 34%. Conservation must be stepped up to reverse these losses. Everyone can contribute to the preservation of these species by speaking out in favor of laws that protect birds.
“Urgent action and funds are needed to halt biodiversity loss in the U.S.,” said Jennifer Cipolletti, Director of Conservation Advocacy at ABC. “Federal funding sources such as the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act can help fill the massive gap in funding for conservation programs managed by states, territories, and tribes. Migratory Bird Joint Ventures can play a vital role as the nexus among these organizations, bringing partners together to facilitate effective delivery of these funds for the greatest conservation success.”
Recognizing the need to work at bigger, faster scales, 200 organizations from across seven sectors in Mexico, Canada, the U.S., and Indigenous Nations are also collaborating on a Central Grasslands Roadmap to conserve one of North Americas largest and most vital ecosystems — grasslands, which span hundreds of million acres.
According to Tammy VerCauteren, Executive Director of the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and a spokesperson for the Central Grasslands Roadmap partnership, “people have changed our grassland landscape and people are key to its future.” We are uniting to create a movement to preserve our grasslands and the wildlife and people who depend on them. By working together, we can protect private property rights, food security, resilient landscapes, and healthy populations of wildlife. ”.
The research underlines the necessity of proactive conservation across habitats and species in light of the widespread declines in bird populations.
“70 Tipping Point bird species have a half life of just 50 years, meaning they will lose half of their already declining populations in the next 50 years unless we take action, despite best hopes and efforts,” stated Dr. Peter Marra is the director of Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment’s The Earth Commons. This State of the Birds report provides a blueprint for how conservation biologists can collaborate with local people and apply surgical precision to address environmental issues. It does this by combining data and new technologies to identify the root cause of losses and stop declines while there is still hope — before more birds become Endangered. ”.
The 2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report was produced by a consortium of government agencies, private organizations, and bird initiatives led by NABCI (North American Bird Conservation Initiative). Read the report at StateoftheBirds.org.
Banner Bird Names and Photo Credits:
Extra Words from Groups Issuing the 2022 State of the Birds Report
“The sharp drops in bird populations indicate the growing strains that habitat loss, environmental degradation, and extreme weather events are causing to both people and wildlife globally.” Taking steps to restore bird populations has a domino effect that enhances people’s quality of life and climate resilience. For instance, when forests are restored, carbon is sequestered, fire intensity is decreased, and habitat is created for both plants and animals. Greening cities reduces heat, expands recreational opportunities, and provides a haven for migratory birds. ” — Dr. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Center for Avian Population Studies is directed by Amanda Rodewald.
“America’s wildlife is in crisis, with a third of its species facing increased extinction risk.” Numerous threats affect both people and wildlife, and we are aware that funding for the preservation and reintroduction of birds and other species also funds the maintenance of healthy ecosystems, clean water supplies, thriving parks, and public lands. In order to strengthen our shared stewardship of birds and the diversity of life that depends on them, the State of the Birds Report is a clear call to action for all of us to help address the wildlife crisis and provide our state, tribal, and territorial wildlife managers with the resources and tools they need. ” — Corina Newsome, Associate Conservation Scientist, National Wildlife Federation.
“What impacts birds also impacts humans, and birds are alerting us to problems.” The State of the Birds Report highlights the grave dangers to birds as well as the chances to create solutions that will help birds and the habitats they depend on. It also demonstrates that, when it comes to tackling threats like climate change, what’s good for birds is good for people. Maintaining healthy ecosystems in our wetlands, grasslands, and forests will benefit both people and birds by storing carbon, offering vital habitat, and fostering the development of more climate-resilient communities. ” — Marshall Johnson, Chief Conservation Officer, National Audubon Society.
“This is not a time to be dismayed. Optimism, inclusivity, and action are required now because the birds won’t tolerate anything less. According to the State of the Birds Report, funding for conservation efforts benefits both people and birds. Together, we can save birds and ourselves by proactively planning and implementing broad community engagement. ” — Nikki Belmonte, Executive Director, American Birding Association.
“Although birds are in danger, we can all contribute to their recovery.” It is better for birds and the environment to live in a home and lifestyle that is bird-friendly. Our team at the Smithsonian is putting a lot of effort into researching and aiding in the conservation of these amazing avian migrants. Part of this effort includes developing an immersive exhibit that will open in the winter of 2023 to better educate the public about and support the enormous phenomenon of bird migration. ” — Dr. Scott Sillett, head of the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.
It is imperative that we contribute the entire weight of the cooperative bird monitoring community to these recurring evaluations. The Avian Knowledge Network offers a partner-based data management platform that makes it easier and more effective for us to assess the performance of the birds of America on a regular basis. One thing is certain: in order to continue with our conservation efforts, it will be essential to monitor the condition of birds on a constant basis. ” — Dr. Sam Veloz is the director of Point Blue Conservation Science’s Eco-Informatics and Climate Solutions and a member of the Avian Knowledge Network steering committee.
The State of the Birds Report for this year highlights numerous opportunities, one of which is the integration of bird conservation goals with efforts to improve climate, fire, and water security for frontline communities through Western forest restoration programs. This report describes our work with Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Programs and demonstrates how, for the benefit of both people and birds, a small investment in bird conservation specialists can leverage large investments in forest restoration. ” — Dr. John Alexander, Executive Director, Klamath Bird Observatory .
Together, we can overcome the difficulties that many of our birds encounter. State and federal agencies, tribes, and nonprofit groups worked together to change the situation for many waterfowl and iconic species like the Bald Eagle. Before it’s too late, we can save other species by applying the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act and other adequate resources. — Ron Regan, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Executive Director
The future of North America’s bird species depends on proactive, ongoing investment in at-risk species conservation, as this year’s State of the Birds Report makes abundantly evident. In order to give species a fighting chance against extinction, Congress needs to take the scientific community’s warnings seriously and enact proactive funding measures like the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act. ” — Caroline Murphy, Government Relations Manager, The Wildlife Society.
“Investments from the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act, America the Beautiful, Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and Inflation Reduction Act may present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the 3 Billion Birds crisis.” ” — Dr. John Alexander, Executive Director, Klamath Bird Observatory .
A nonprofit organization called American Bird Conservancy works to protect wild birds and their habitats across the Americas. We take on the biggest issues affecting birds today, focusing on collaboration and results-driven work, by developing and advancing on the swift progress of science to stop extinctions, save habitats, remove threats, and increase the capacity for bird conservation. Find us on abcbirds. org, Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter (@ABCbirds).
Jordan Rutter Director of Communicationsmedia@abcbirds.org
We Can Bend the Curve to Bring Birds Back
According to research published in Science in 2019, the United States and Canada have lost 3 billion breeding birds since 1970, or one in four birds. With new scales of conservation actions that benefit not only birds but wildlife and people as well, this sharp decline in abundance can be reversed. When birds thrive, we all win.
FAQ
Why are all the birds gone?
What is the state of the birds in 2022?
Are birds vanishing from North America?
How many birds are left in the world 2022?