The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report warns that the US bird population is declining at an unprecedented rate. The report was released today by a coalition of leading conservation groups, including the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and American Bird Conservancy.

Five years after a 2019 study documented a loss of 3 billion birds in North America, this new assessment reveals that the US bird population is declining across nearly all habitats, driven by habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. The report highlights 229 species in urgent need of conservation.

Alarming Trends Across Habitats

Over one-third of U.S. bird species (229 out of 718 studied) are of high or moderate conservation concern, with populations dropping in grasslands, forests, arid lands, and coastal areas since 1970.

One hundred twelve species identified as “tipping point” have lost over 50% of their populations in the past 50 years; 42 “red alert” species, like the Saltmarsh Sparrow and Tricolored Blackbird, face perilously low numbers and steep declines.

Previously a conservation success, duck numbers have declined nearly 30% since 2017 due to drought and habitat pressures, though they remain above 1970 levels; waterbirds like herons show slight increases.

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Key Drivers of Decline

Conversion of grasslands to agriculture, urban sprawl, and deforestation—such as the loss of over 85% of old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest—destroy nesting and feeding grounds for species like the Greater Sage-Grouse and Florida Scrub Jay.

Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and sea-level rise exacerbate habitat degradation, particularly impacting shorebirds (19 tipping point species) and arid-land birds. No arid-land species show population growth.

Invasive species, pollution, and collisions with structures (e.g., wind turbines, buildings) compound losses; pesticides and insect declines further threaten food sources for songbirds like the Baird’s Sparrow.

Hope Through Conservation Action

Wetland conservation efforts, supported by hunters and organizations like Ducks Unlimited, have historically boosted waterfowl; a 2009 initiative increased American Oystercatcher populations by 43% across 16 coastal states.

Birding generates $279 billion annually and supports 1.4 million jobs, while protecting habitats enhances climate resilience, carbon storage, and mental health benefits for communities.

Experts urge scaled-up funding and partnerships to reverse declines before more species, like the Allen’s Hummingbird or Golden-cheeked Warbler, require Endangered Species Act listing, emphasizing that “conservation works when adequately supported,” per Michael Parr of the American Bird Conservancy.

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