Your eBirding data helps create tools that can be used to further conservation, inspire support, and inform ecological management strategies. eBird in Action is a segment which shares the conservation stories made possible because of your contributions. This edition comes from The U.S. Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI), highlighting the state of US bird populations.
The State of the Birds 2025 report was just released and presents a comprehensive assessment of the health of bird populations across the United States, highlighting both ongoing challenges and conservation successes. Building upon the findings of the 2019 study that reported a net loss of 3 billion birds in North America over the past 50 years, the 2025 report indicates that these declines are persisting. Additionally, duck populations, previously considered a conservation success, have experienced recent downturns.
With “a third of all American bird species” at “high or moderate concern due to low populations, declining trends, or other threats”, birds continue to need our support now more than ever. Of these species, birds that depend on specific habitats, also known as obligates, like Greater Sage-Grouse, Bachman’s Sparrow, and Bicknell’s Thrush, continue to decline with habitat loss. These obligates comprise a majority of what are identified as “Tipping Point” species, birds which have lost more than 50 percent of their population in the last 50 years. Shore birds, such as Black-bellied Plovers, Sanderlings, and Short- and Long-billed Dowitchers, are also exhibiting continued declines despite recent conservation attention. Further research will be valuable to identify causes of these declines coupled with targeted conservation action to aid in the protection of shorebird habitats.
Amidst these warnings for some of the nation’s most charismatic avifauna were conservation success stories– like that of the American Oystercatcher. In 2009 following decades of declines, the American Oystercatcher Recovery Initiative aided in protecting habitats in states along the Atlantic and Gulf coast. In the last 16 years, American Oystercatcher breeding populations have made a 43% increase, with positive growth predicted to continue in the future. In America’s Heartland, the Conservation Forage program and Conservation Ranching program, created by the National Audubon Society, are restoring marginal cropland back to grasslands with habitat connectivity. With more than 100 participating ranches, nearly 3 million acers of grasslands have been restored from Wisconsin to California. In the wake of bird declines, continued data collection and localized conservation measures can help species.
The Value of Targeted Conservation
The report showcases that targeted conservation initiatives can yield positive outcomes for birds. Proactive strategies and investments such as coastal restoration, conservation ranching, forest renewal, and seabird translocations have demonstrated success in aiding species recovery. Additionally, private land conservation programs and voluntary partnerships on working lands offer significant opportunities for immediate positive impacts. Data-based tools, like eBird’s Status and Trends Products, can help to inform these localized management efforts.
Benefits Beyond Bird Conservation
Beyond the birds, the report highlights the significance of bird conservation for the environment and economy. Implementing bird-friendly policies provides value to people in the form of healthier working lands, cleaner water, and landscapes resilient to natural disasters like fires, floods, and droughts. The State of the Birds shares that birding remains a popular activity, engaging approximately 100 million Americans, including many hunters and anglers. This widespread interest contributes substantially to the economy, generating $279 billion through related expenditures.
eBirders play a crucial role in monitoring species by contributing data on bird sightings to inform tools and trends. The report highlights the growing impact of participatory science data, from long-standing programs like the Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count to global data platforms like eBird. It also included eBird’s groundbreaking Status and Trends tool which identifies where bird populations are changing at 27 km² resolution. These fine-scale trends give conservationists the power to act strategically, targeting the landscapes and species that need help the most. With every checklist submitted, eBirders worldwide are helping to shape the future of bird conservation. Thank you.
Download and read the entire The State of the Birds 2025 report.
Credit:
North American Bird Conservation Initiative. 2025. The State of the Birds, United States of America, 2025. State of the Birds.org