The U.S. bird population is facing a crisis. According to a report published by an alliance of science and conservation groups on Thursday, the decline of bird species in the country is happening at an alarming rate. This is a wake-up call for all of us to take immediate action to protect these beautiful creatures.
The report, titled “2025 U.S. State of the Birds,” highlights habitat loss and climate change as the main contributing factors to the decline of bird populations. It reveals that more than 100 species have reached a “tipping point,” with their populations decreasing by more than half in the last 50 years. This is a concerning trend that affects all habitats, including the duck population, which was previously considered a conservation success story.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. The report also shows that water birds such as herons and egrets have shown some increases in their populations. This is a testament to the positive impact of conservation efforts. Michael Parr, president of the American Bird Conservancy, told Reuters, “The only bright spot is water birds such as herons and egrets that show some increases.”
While the decline in the duck population has fallen by approximately 30% since 2017, their numbers are still higher than they were in 1970, according to an Associated Press account on the report. This is a reminder that our efforts to protect these birds can make a difference.
Amanda Rodewald, faculty director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Center for Avian Population Studies, told Reuters, “Roughly one in three bird species (229 species) in the U.S. requires urgent conservation attention.” These species represent the major habitats and systems in the country, including some that were once considered common and abundant. This is a call to action for all of us to come together and protect these birds before it’s too late.
The report also highlights some of the birds with the highest losses, including the mottled duck, Allen’s hummingbird, yellow-billed loon, red-faced cormorant, greater sage-grouse, Florida scrub jay, Baird’s sparrow, saltmarsh sparrow, mountain plover, Hawaiian petrel, Bicknell’s thrush, Cassia crossbill, pink-footed shearwater, tricolored blackbird, and golden-cheeked warbler. These birds are now in the “red alert” group and are already protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, according to Reuters.
Georgetown University biologist Peter Marra, who was not involved in the report, told AP, “For each species that we’re in danger of losing, it’s like pulling an individual thread out of the complex tapestry of life.” This is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all species and the impact that the loss of even one can have on the entire ecosystem.
While the situation may seem dire, it is not without hope. Marra noted the resurgence of the majestic bald eagle as an example of how conservation efforts can make a difference. This is a reminder that we have the power to turn things around and protect these birds for future generations.
The decline of the U.S. bird population is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. We must all come together to protect these beautiful creatures and their habitats. It is not just about saving individual species, but also about preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Let us take this report as a call to action and work towards a brighter future for our feathered friends. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the U.S. bird population thrives once again.
