THE STATE OF THE BIRDS - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 2009
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The State of the Birds
United States of America
2009
Birds are a priceless part of America’s heritage.
They are beautiful, they are economically
important—and they reflect the health of our
environment. This State of the Birds report
reveals troubling declines of bird populations
during the past 40 years—a warning signal of
the failing health of our ecosystems. At the
same time, we see heartening evidence that
strategic land management and conservation
action can reverse declines of birds. This report
calls attention to the collective efforts needed
to protect nature’s resources for the benefit of
people and wildlife.
Contents
Foreword. . . . . . . . . . . 3 Waterfowl . . . . . . . . . 20
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Marsh Birds. . . . . . . . 21
Aridlands . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Coasts. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Grasslands. . . . . . . . . . 8 Oceans. . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Game Birds. . . . . . . . . 10 Hawaiian Birds. . . . . . 26
Urban Birds. . . . . . . . . 11 Endangered Species. . 28
Cover photos from top, left to right: Magnolia Warbler by Pamela Wells; Saguaro National Monument,
Arizona, by Gerrit Vyn, Greater Prairie-Chicken by Gerrit Vyn; Pacific forest, Opal Creek, Oregon, by Forests. . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Challenges. . . . . . . . . 30
Gerrit Vyn; Snowy Owl by Gerrit Vyn; arctic coastal plain tundra, Colville River Delta, Alaska, by Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Our Approach. . . . . . . 33
Gerrit Vyn; Osprey by James Livaudais. This page: Scarlet Tanager by Gerrit Vyn.
Facing page: Bar-tailed Godwit nest by Gerrit Vyn. Wetlands. . . . . . . . . . 18 Acknowledgements. . 34
2
Foreword
warning signal of the failing health of our ecosystems. Where we
have been negligent too long, such as in Hawaii, we are on the verge
of losing entire suites of unique and beautiful birds and native plant
communities.
Birds Are Important Indicators
of Our Nation’s Environmental Health At the same time, we see heartening evidence that birds can respond
quickly and positively to conservation action. Many waterfowl
The United States is blessed with diverse landscapes, a wealth of species have undergone significant increases in the past 40 years, a
natural resources, and spectacular wildlife, including more than 800 testament to coordinated conservation efforts in wetlands. Through
bird species. Birds are a national treasure and a heritage we share focused conservation efforts, we have brought magnificent Peregrine
with people around the world, as billions of migratory birds follow Falcons and Bald Eagles back from the brink of extinction.
the seasons across oceans and continents. Our passion for nature is
evident: Wildlife watching generates $122 billion in economic output We ask you to join us in continuing to reverse the damage to our
annually, and one in every four American adults is a bird watcher. nation’s habitats and protect our remaining natural landscapes—the
foundation upon which our precious resources, our wildlife, and
In the past 200 years, however, the U.S. human population has the lives of our children depend. Cooperative conservation efforts
skyrocketed from about 8 million to 300 million. As we have among the government, conservation organizations, and ordinary
harvested energy and food, grown industries, and built cities, we citizens—private landowners, hunters, and bird watchers—really are
have often failed to consider the consequences to nature. During our making a difference.
history, we have lost a part of our natural heritage—and degraded
and depleted the resources upon which our quality of life depends. It is imperative that we redouble our efforts now, before habitat loss
We have lost more than half of our nation’s original wetlands, 98% and degradation become even more widespread, intractable, and
of our tallgrass prairie, and virtually all virgin forests east of the expensive to solve. Together, we can ensure that future generations
Rockies. Since the birth of our nation, four American bird species will look back at this first State of the Birds report with disbelief that
have gone extinct, including the Passenger Pigeon, once the world’s their common birds could ever have been so troubled.
most abundant bird. At least 10 more species are possibly extinct.
North American Bird Conservation
Birds are bellwethers of our natural and cultural health as a nation— Initiative, U.S. Committee
they are indicators of the integrity of the environments that provide American Bird Conservancy
us with clean air and water, fertile soils, abundant wildlife, and the
Association of
natural resources on which our economic development depends. In Fish and Wildlife Agencies
the past 40 years, major public, private, and government initiatives
have made strides for conservation. Has it been enough? How are Cornell Lab of Ornithology
birds faring? Klamath Bird Observatory
In an unprecedented partnership, government wildlife agencies National Audubon Society
and conservation groups have come together to produce this first The Nature Conservancy
comprehensive analysis of the state of our nation’s birds. The results U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
are sobering: bird populations in many habitats are declining—a U.S. Geological Survey
Bar-tailed Godwit nest, Alaska.
3
jackjeffreyphoto.com
The results reflect the influence of human activities and global change on
our nation’s birds. Every U.S. habitat harbors birds in need of conserva-
tion. Hawaiian birds and ocean birds appear most at risk, with populations
in danger of collapse if immediate conservation measures are not imple-
mented. Bird populations in grassland and aridland habitats show the most
rapid declines over the past 40 years. Birds that depend on forests are also
declining.
In contrast, wetland species, wintering coastal birds, and hunted waterfowl
show increasing populations during the past 40 years, reflecting a strong
focus during this period on wetlands conservation and management.
Species of Conservation Concern
70 Percentage of
Federally threatened Additional species of bird species that
Percentage of Species
60 or endangered conservation concern are threatened,
50 endangered, and of
The `I`iwi is a bird unique to the Hawaiian Islands. More bird species are conservation concern
vulnerable to extinction in Hawaii than anywhere else in the United States. 40 in each habitat.
30
Overview 20
10
The State of Our Nation’s Birds 0
The United States is home to a tremendous diversity of native birds, with
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more than 800 species inhabiting terrestrial, coastal, and ocean habitats,
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Habitat
including Hawaii. Among these species, 67 are federally listed as endan-
gered or threatened. An additional 184 are species of conservation concern Hawaiian Birds in Crisis
because of their small distribution, high threats, or declining populations. More than one-third of all U.S. listed bird species occur in Hawaii and 71
Successful conservation requires information about the population status bird species have gone extinct since humans colonized the islands in about
of every species to ensure the survival of endangered birds and to manage 300 AD. At least 10 more birds have not been seen in as long as 40 years and
common species so they never become threatened. This report presents a may be extinct. Proven conservation measures are urgently needed to avert
new synthesis of major bird-monitoring databases, including data from this global tragedy, including increasing investment in protecting remaining
thousands of citizen scientists and professional biologists. We used data forests, eliminating exotic predators, and captive breeding.
from three continentwide monitoring programs to create bird population
indicators for major U.S. habitats, reflecting the health of these habitats and
the environmental services they provide. These habitat indicators are based Declining Seabirds Signal Stressed Oceans
on the population changes of obligate species—those that are restricted to a At least 39% of the U.S. birds restricted to ocean habitats are declining.
single habitat and are most sensitive to environmental changes. We supple- These birds face threats from pollution, over-fishing, and warming sea tem-
mented this information with data from many other surveys that focus peratures caused by climate change, as well as threats at island and coastal
on species that are rare, endangered, or difficult to monitor, such as ocean nesting sites. Declining seabirds may be our most visible indication of an
birds. (See pages 33–34 for methods.) ocean ecosystem under stress.
4
High Concern for Coastal Shorebirds Forest Birds Face an Uncertain Future
Although some coastal birds are increasing, shorebirds that rely on coastal Although forest birds have fared better overall than birds in other habi-
habitats for breeding and refueling on migration are besieged by human tats, many species have suffered steep declines and remain threatened by
disturbance and dwindling food supplies. Sea level rise caused by acceler- unplanned and sprawling urban development, unsustainable logging,
ating climate change will inundate shoreline habitats. Half of all coastally increased severity of wildfires, and a barrage of exotic forest pests and
migrating shorebirds have declined; for example, Red Knots have declined diseases.
by an alarming 82%. Because of their relatively small and highly threatened
global populations, shorebirds are of high conservation concern.
Conservation Successes for Endangered
and Common Birds
Wetland Birds Show Amazing Resilience
The will of our nation to prevent extinction and reverse environmental
The upward trend for wetland birds in the U.S. is a testament to the amaz- degradation is exemplified by the remarkable recovery of the Bald Eagle,
ing resilience of bird populations where the health of their habitat is sus- Peregrine Falcon, and other bird populations after the banning of DDT and
tained or restored. The overwhelming success of waterfowl management, other harmful pesticides. Targeted conservation programs for listed species
coordinated continentally among Canada, the United States, and Mexico, remain necessary, and proactive measures involving voluntary partnerships
can serve as a model for conservation in other habitats. between local, state, tribal, and federal government, nongovernmental or-
ganizations, and private citizens are needed to maintain the integrity of U.S.
Bird Population Indicators habitats and to keep our common birds common.
60
Bird population Over the last two decades, unprecedented private-public partnerships,
Wetlands
indicators based on called Joint Ventures, have been highly effective at leveraging scarce funds
Forests
40 trends for obligate to conserve millions of acres of wetlands and other wildlife habitat. Also,
Percentage Change
Aridlands species in four major
bird conservation initiatives such as Partners in Flight, the U.S. Shorebird
20 Grasslands habitats.
Conservation Plan, and the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan
have raised awareness and inspired conservation action at continental and
0
regional scales. The North American Bird Conservation Initiative (www.
nabci-us.org) provides opportunities for coordinating these vital activities.
-20
-40
1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007
Year
Grasslands and Aridlands:
Degraded, Neglected
Dramatic declines in grassland and aridland birds signal alarming neglect and
degradation of these habitats. Incentives for wildlife-compatible agricultural
practices in grasslands and increased protection of fragile desert, sagebrush,
and chaparral ecosystems are urgently needed to reverse these declines.
Black Oystercatchers inhabit coastal areas
where habitat loss is a threat. Coastal
reserves help ensure that oystercatchers
and humans can coexist.
Gerrit Vyn
5
Aridlands
Unique Birds of the Aridlands
Face Loss and Degradation of
Habitat Greater Sage-Grouse by Ted Schroeder
Consider This: The State of Aridland Birds Birds in Trouble
Of 83 aridland-breeding bird species, 39% are spe- Federally listed as
Greg Lavaty
PP Aridlands harbor more than 80 nesting
bird species, including many unique cies of conservation concern, including 10 feder- endangered: California
and beautiful birds found only in ally listed as endangered or threatened. These Condor, (Northern)
deserts, sagebrush, or chaparral. species are especially vulnerable because of their Aplomado Falcon, (San
small ranges or restricted habitat requirements, or Clemente) Loggerhead
PP More than 75% of birds that nest only both. Shrike, (Least) Bell’s
in aridlands are declining and 39% Vireo, Black-capped
Sixty percent of all aridland species and 76% Vireo, Golden-cheeked
of all aridland birds are species of of aridland obligate species have declined. The Warbler. Threatened:
conservation concern. aridland birds indicator, based on 17 of 30 obli- Golden-cheeked Warbler
(Western) Snowy
gate species with sufficient data, shows a steady Plover, (Coastal) California Gnatcatcher, (Inyo)
PP Habitat loss from urban development,
decline over the past 40 years, to nearly 30% California Towhee, (San Clemente) Sage Sparrow.
habitat degradation from overgrazing
below the baseline value. An additional 13 species, • Endangered Golden-cheeked Warblers depend
and invasive plants, and a changing
including nine species of conservation concern, on ash-juniper woodlands that are being cleared
climate are causing significant
are not adequately monitored. for agriculture or suburban development in the
problems for many aridland birds.
Texas hill country.
PP A regional system of protected areas Aridland Birds Indicator • Species such as Elf Owl, Bendire’s and LeConte’s
is critically needed to accommodate 60
thrashers, and Gilded Flicker are of conservation
increasing development while 40
Aridland Obligates (17)
concern because of their small range, known
Percentage Change
meeting the habitat requirements for threats, or declining populations.
keeping bird populations stable. 20
• Resident game birds that depend on aridlands,
0 including Greater and Gunnison’s sage-grouse
and Scaled Quail, have suffered significant
declines and are threatened by continued deg-
-20
-40 radation of their fragile habitats. About 45% of
1968 1973 1978 1983 1988
Year
1993 1998 2003 2007
potential sagebrush habitat has been converted
to other habitat types, including agriculture and
urban areas.
Aridlands in the U.S. include the Sonoran Desert (shown here),
Chihuahuan, Mojave, and Great Basin deserts, and major shrub-
scrub ecoregions (coastal California chaparral, Edwards Plateau,
Gerrit Vyn
Colorado Plateau). Aridlands are characterized by low annual
precipitation with variability from one year to the next.
6
Major Threats production of seeds needed by birds. Improved Reasons for Hope
monitoring of bird populations may provide the
Endangered Cali-
Development and Energy first indications of changes to habitats.
fornia Condors and
Unplanned and sprawling urban development Aplomado Falcons
is by far the greatest threat to aridlands. Some of have been reintro-
our nation’s fastest growing cities are in aridlands
Solutions
Brian L. Sullivan
duced to areas where
(e.g., Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego). • Proactive conservation measures, such as ensur-
they had been extir-
ing sustainable agriculture and environmentally
Coastal sage and chaparral of southern Califor- pated in the United
sustainable energy development, are needed to
nia represent a global biodiversity hotspot with States. Public lands
reverse declines of native aridland birds.
numerous threatened or endangered plants and California Condor have provided impor-
animals. About 40% of the area is now urban or • Linking the protected lands system with “smart tant habitats for these
suburban, supporting nearly half of California’s growth” in communities will provide oppor- species. Today, 174 condors are flying free, and
human population. tunities for people to enjoy birds, as well as for the number grows each year.
birds to move and adapt to increasing pressure
Energy development and exploration have major Vast areas of public land managed by the Bureau
from development.
impacts on aridland birds. Poorly planned energy of Land Management and Department of De-
infrastructure degrades and fragments habitat and • Immediate, innovative efforts are needed to fense offer opportunities to protect and manage
provides conditions favorable for invasive plant encourage the coexistence of agriculture and na- habitats for aridland birds.
species. tive birds, including wildlife-compatible grazing
Harris's Hawk by Gerrit Vyn
practices, maintenance of native habitat patches,
Agriculture and Invasive Species and planting native seed mixes in disturbed
Invasive nonnative plants are a serious threat areas.
to virtually all aridlands. In the Great Basin and • Continual efforts must be made to prevent
other areas, more than 17% of remaining sage- invasive plants from spreading in areas most
brush is dominated by introduced grasses such affected by wildfire.
as cheatgrass. Invasive grasses fuel wildfires that
devastate sagebrush and desert plant communi-
ties, eliminating native plants that evolved in the Beyond Our Borders
absence of fire. More than 50% of aridland birds are permanent
Unsustainable livestock ranching practices have residents of the U.S. borderlands. Effective con-
degraded habitat and damaged soils, fostering servation requires close collaboration with the
areas dominated by nonnative plants. Mexican government and private conservation
organizations. Most migratory species winter in
Climate Change Mexico and Central America, including the endan-
The impact of climate change in aridlands is diffi- gered Golden-cheeked Warbler. New and existing
cult to predict, but warmer conditions and chang- international partnerships must be supported to
es in precipitation may dramatically affect the ensure the survival of aridland birds.
Unplanned urban growth is by far the greatest threat to aridland birds.
A regional system of protected areas can enhance quality of life for
people and enable birds to survive.
7
Grasslands
America’s Heartland is
Home to Our Nation’s Fastest
Declining Birds Greater Prairie-Chicken by Gerrit Vyn
Consider This: The State of Grassland Birds Birds in Trouble
Of 46 grassland-breeding birds, 48% are spe- Federally listed as
Donald Metzner
PP Grassland birds are a vital part of
North American landscapes. Forty- cies of conservation concern, including 4 with endangered: (Northern)
eight species nest in U.S. grasslands, populations that are federally endangered. Eight Aplomado Falcon,
including ducks, grouse, hawks, and of twelve sparrow species are listed as of con- (Attwater’s) Greater
servation concern. Of the 42 grassland species Prairie-Chicken,
songbirds. (Masked) Northern
with sufficient monitoring data, 23 are declining
PP Grassland birds are among the fastest significantly. Bobwhite, (Florida)
Grasshopper Sparrow.
and most consistently declining The grassland birds indicator, based on data for
birds in North America; 48% are of 24 of 25 obligate species, dropped by nearly 40% • Some of the Ameri- Western Meadowlark
conservation concern and 55% are from the baseline value, with a slight recovery can landscape’s most
showing significant declines. evident in the last five years. iconic birds are showing steep declines. Eastern
and Western meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Short-
PP Only about 2% of the tallgrass prairie eared Owls, and Northern Bobwhites have
that existed in the early 1800s still Grassland Bird Indicator declined by 38–77% since 1968.
60
remains. Although birds may settle Grassland Obligates (24) • Six species that breed in the Great Plains of the
in pastures and haylands, frequent 40 United States and Canada and that winter in
Percentage Change
haying, burning, and overgrazing can Mexico’s Chihuahuan grasslands are show-
create “ecological traps” where birds 20
ing steep declines of 68–91%: Mountain Plover,
try to nest but fail to raise their young. Sprague’s Pipit, Lark Bunting, Baird’s Sparrow,
0
Chestnut-collared Longspur, and McCown’s
PP Farmland conservation programs -20 Longspur.
provide the best hope for birds and
other wildlife. Agricultural practices -40 • Lesser and Greater prairie-chicken, Sharp-tailed
can become more compatible with 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007
Grouse, Northern Bobwhite, and Northern
Year
birds, and land can be managed Pintail—all popular game birds—have declined
inexpensively for birds with funding from historic levels because of loss and frag-
from conservation programs. mentation of grasslands. Lesser Prairie-Chicken
is a candidate for listing under the Endangered
Species Act.
Native grasslands once stretched across the United States from
Judd Patterson
Canada to Mexico, and east from the Rocky Mountains as far as
Ohio. More than 95% of the tallgrass prairie has been converted
to agriculture and other uses. Short- and mixed-grass prairies
South Dakota by ? Strizich continue to be converted to agriculture.
8
Major Threats birds, especially in areas of row-crop agriculture Reasons for
and across the short-grass prairie.
Agriculture Hope
• Haying, grazing, mowing, and burning can be
Grassland birds have declined because of the conducted in ways that are compatible with After recent, alarm-
intensification of agriculture, including larger birds, usually at very small cost to the producer. ing declines in some
grassland specialists,
Greg Lavaty
fields with fewer grassy edges, native weeds, and These costs can be compensated by conservation
insects, as well as the spread of row crops into programs that provide other benefits as well, such as Henslow’s
drier regions. such as erosion control. Sparrow, increases
Henslow's Sparrow have resulted from
Pastures cannot support many birds if overgrazed, • Wetland conservation programs should con- the Conservation
burned too frequently, or burned at the beginning tinue to include adjacent grasslands because Reserve Program and other programs that have
of the nesting season or the end of the grass-grow- such areas are valuable for both grassland and restored wildlife habitat. Healthy populations of
ing season. wetland birds. these birds will require maintaining or increas-
Grasslands in public lands and parks are often • Many national, state, and local parks could be ing acreages and conservation practices.
mowed too frequently and kept too short to managed to benefit grassland birds, and new Birds that use wet grass and grass adjacent to
provide bird habitat. Open areas are frequently al- acquisitions from willing landowners should be wetlands are doing better than average, per-
lowed to revert to forest instead of being managed explored. Management should include a balance haps because these species have been the focus
as grassland. of disturbance to eliminate woody vegetation the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands
while allowing a healthy tall grassland. Reserve Program, conservation easements, and
Energy and Climate Change
other initiatives.
High commodity prices and demand for biofuels
contribute to reduced acreage for farm conser- Beyond Our Borders Bobolink by Gerrit Vyn
vation programs, which may reverse the recent More than half of grassland obligate species
improvement in grassland bird populations. depend on Canadian prairie habitats, as well as
Wind turbines, if improperly sited, can fragment those in the central United States. Chihuahuan
grasslands and disrupt nesting activity of game Desert grasslands in Mexico host a wide variety
birds such as Lesser Prairie-Chickens. of U.S.-breeding birds in winter, but more than a
million acres have been converted to agriculture in
Global warming is expected to increase drought
the past five years. Ranchlands are often over-
conditions in grassland regions, leading to lower
grazed, causing desertification.
productivity and reduced food supply for birds.
Migrants such as Bobolink, Upland and Buff-
breasted sandpipers, American Golden-Plover,
Solutions and Swainson’s Hawk fly to South America where
• Farm conservation programs remain our best grasslands are being converted to agricultural
tool for restoring and maintaining grasslands for production.
Farm conservation programs provide millions of acres of protected grasslands
that are essential for the birds in a landscape where little native prairie remains.
9
Spotlight on Resident Game Birds Reasons for Hope
Farm Bill programs that result in the retirement
Managing Land for Game Birds Helps All Birds of millions of acres of intensely cropped lands
offer the greatest hope for the long-term man-
Upland game bird hunting in the United States show stable overall populations; however their agement of many resident game birds. Greater
generated nearly $2 billion and provided numbers are augmented by captive-breeding and Prairie-Chicken populations have benefited from
recreation for nearly 3 million licensed hunters release programs because of demand for recreation- the creation of core grasslands in several states,
in 2006. Because management for the 19 native al hunting. and population goals for recovery of Northern
resident game bird species falls under the Bobwhite have been written into recent Farm Bill
jurisdiction of state wildlife agencies, regional initiatives.
partnerships such as the Northern Bobwhite Birds in Trouble By the early 1900s, most Wild Turkey populations
Conservation Initiative and North American Federally listed as endangered: (Attwater’s) had been wiped out in North America. As late
Grouse Partnership formed so states can work Greater Prairie-Chicken, (Masked) Northern Bob-
as the Great Depression, fewer than 30,000 Wild
together on rangewide management efforts. white.
Turkeys remained in the entire United States. Re-
These efforts target landscape-level habitat Northern Bobwhite has declined by 75% over the introduction programs, active management, and
changes that benefit both game and non-game past 40 years because of alteration of grassland- regulated hunting have allowed the Wild Turkey
species. In addition, volunteer organizations assist shrub communities in pine, agricultural and graz- population to expand to more than 7 million birds
management efforts for resident game birds, ing lands where the limiting factor is nesting and by 2008.
including the National Wild Turkey Federation, brood-rearing habitat.
Sustainable forest management provides forest
Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the Both Greater and Lesser prairie-chickens are habitat diversity for Ruffed Grouse, which inhabit
Ruffed Grouse Society. highly social species that are sensitive to loss and young forest.
fragmentation of native grasslands. Encroachment Gerrit Vyn
by osage orange, western red cedar, and invasive
The State of grasses also reduces habitat quality.
Resident Game Birds Despite state and federal measures to avoid, mini-
Of 19 native resident game bird species, 47% are mize, and mitigate known threats, Greater Sage-
species of conservation concern and 2 are federally Grouse continues to be threatened by the spread
endangered. Based on the best data from a variety of invasive grass species, degradation and loss
of sources, Greater Sage-Grouse, Gunnison’s Sage- of sagebrush habitat from livestock grazing, the
Grouse, Greater Prairie-Chicken, Lesser Prairie- development of renewable energy, and the spread
Chicken, Sooty Grouse, and Northern Bobwhite of West Nile virus.
are thought to have declined by more than 50% in Heavy livestock grazing and subsequent inva-
the last 40 years, and Scaled Quail have declined by sions of nonnative plants have eliminated under-
33%. For these species, further research is required story flowering plants and grasses from habitat
to understand fully the limiting factors. Introduced used by Montezuma Quail in southern Arizona
Chukar, Ring-necked Pheasant, and Gray Partridge and northern Mexico.
Northern Bobwhites have declined
Cooperative partnerships have implemented by 75% during the past 40 years.
landscape-level management benefiting both Recent Farm Bill initiatives
include goals for recovery of
game and non-game bird species. bobwhite populations.
10Creating greenspace for birds in cities
can help adaptable urban birds as well Exotic Bird Species
as migrants stopping over during The most common birds in nearly every urban
their long journeys. environment are exotic species introduced from
other parts of the world. Exotic species also occur
in most natural habitats in North America and many
American Robins can thrive have significant negative effects on native birds,
in many habitats, including In general, urban-adapted species from eastern
urban yards and parks. forests, especially permanent residents, have other wildlife, and humans. European Starlings can
shown stable or increasing populations, whereas damage seed and fruit crops and compete with na-
Gregg Lee
migratory birds, such as Common Nighthawk, tive birds for nest cavities. Mute Swans, introduced
Chimney Swift, and Wood Thrush, show the same from Eurasia in the 19th century, have displaced
Spotlight declining trends as many eastern forest obligates. ducks and geese from wetlands and have over-
This suggests that birds living in urban habitats grazed aquatic vegetation. Other exotic birds have
on Urban Birds year-round benefit from higher overwinter sur- positive economic impacts, such as Ring-necked
vival. In the West, a majority of common urban/ Pheasant, a popular species with hunters.
Habitat for Birds and People suburban species are declining, especially birds
Of the 17 exotic species considered in this report,
native to southwestern aridlands and Pacific Coast
Although bird communities in urban environ- forests. some have been established for more than a century
ments are often dominated by a few exotic and and now occur across the continent. These birds,
ubiquitous species such as Rock Pigeons and The wide variety of native birds that thrive
in urban areas underscores the importance of including Rock Pigeon, European Starling, and
House Sparrows, a surprising number of native
these artificial habitats to the survival of many House Sparrow, show stable or declining trends over
birds have adapted to life around humans.
bird populations. Creating greenspace in urban the past 40 years. In contrast, populations of some
American Robins can thrive in many habitats, environments, landscaping with native plants in recently introduced species are growing, including
including lawns with abundant earthworms. Cali- backyards and parks, adopting architecture and Eurasian Collared-Doves, whose abundance and
fornia Quail and Abert’s Towhees find suburban lighting systems that reduce collisions, and keep-
plantings a suitable substitute for native aridland distribution have increased exponentially since they
ing pets indoors will provide the greatest benefit colonized Florida from the Bahamas in the 1970s.
habitats. Gulls, vultures, and crows seek abun- to breeding birds and migrants seeking safe places
dant food at garbage dumps and along roadsides. to rest and find food during their spectacular
Hummingbirds, chickadees, sparrows, finches,
The impacts of exotic species on the well-being of
journeys. humans and our native flora and fauna are not well
woodpeckers, and other birds take advantage of
bird feeders. Even hawks and owls find increas- studied. Exotic birds merit
ingly safe nesting sites and abundant prey in our Urban Birds Indicator closer monitoring, and
60
towns and cities. Urban Birds (114)
careful vigilance will
The urban/suburban indicator, based on data for 40 be needed to protect
Percentage Change
114 native bird species, shows a steady, strong against negative
increase during the past 40 years, driven primar-
20
impacts to our native birds.
ily by a small number of highly successful species 0
such as Wild Turkey, Double-crested Cormorant,
vultures, gulls, doves, House Finch, and Great- -20 Introduced to the Bahamas in the
tailed Grackle. This indicator may represent a 1970s, Eurasian Collared-Doves
-40 have spread to Florida and across the
sensitive “first alert” to environmental changes 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007 United States.
from urban and suburban development. Year
Vicki Lackey
11Forests
Healthy Forests Are Key to
the Future of Birds and Our
Natural Resources Scarlet Tanager by Gerrit Vyn
Consider This: The State of Forest Birds recently. Many boreal
Gary H. Rosenberg
birds are not well moni-
PP North America has a tremendous Of 310 forest-breeding birds nationwide, 22%
tored over large parts
diversity of forests harboring more are species of conservation concern, including
of their range, however,
than 300 breeding bird species. 11 federally listed as endangered or threatened.
reducing our confidence
Roughly one-third of all forest-breeding species
in this indicator.
PP Some forest birds are doing have declined. The overall indicator for obligate
well, giving hope for continued forest birds, based on 96 species with adequate Similarly, in subtropical
conservation efforts, but roughly data, declined by roughly 10% through 1980, then forests of South Texas
one-third of all forest-breeding recovered slightly in recent years (see graph, page and Florida, monitoring
Elegant Trogon
species have declined. 5). Bird population trends in forests differed across data were insufficient to
four geographic regions (see pages 14–15). create a bird population indicator. Many species
PP Forests are threatened by unplanned in these regions are known to be expanding their
The eastern forests indicator, based on data for 25
and sprawling urban development, range northward, perhaps in response to warming
obligate species, declined steadily over the past 40
unsustainable logging, intense temperatures.
years, dropping by nearly 25% since 1968.
wildfires following decades of fire
suppression, overbrowsing by In western forests, the indicator based on 38
Forest Birds Indicator
deer, and tree pests and diseases obligate species shows a slightly declining trend; 60
exacerbated by a changing climate. however, monitoring data were unavailable for Eastern (25)
40% of western forest obligates, including 10 spe- 40
Percentage Change
Western (38)
PP Opportunities abound for forest bird cies of conservation concern. Many western forest Boreal (31)
management, including a balance of birds, such as Montezuma Quail, Elegant Trogon, 20
economically viable but sustainable White-headed Woodpecker, and Hermit Warbler, 0
forestry and grazing practices; the are at risk because of their small geographic range
U.S. manages 193 million acres of or small and threatened populations. -20
National Forests. The indicator for boreal forests, based on 31 of 37
Courtesy Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society
-40
obligate species with adequate data, has fluctu- 1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007
Year
ated greatly with a generally declining trend over
the first 25 years, and then a general increase more
As many as five billion birds
fly south from the boreal forest
Sustainable forestry, landowner incentives for forest
each fall, according to the Boreal preservation, and urban greenspace initiatives can
Songbird Initiative. Many of
these birds spend the winter in
protect natural resources and help ensure the
the United States. long-term viability of many forest birds.
12Major Threats eastern hemlock with extinction within 50 years. Reasons for Hope
Unnaturally high populations of white-tailed deer Forest-breeding
Development and Disturbance have destroyed the shrubby understory of many raptors, such as
Rapid urban growth threatens forests in all eastern forests, contributing to declines in forest- Cooper’s Hawk, Red-
regions. Development increased from 15 million nesting birds. shouldered Hawk,
to 60 million acres during 1945–2002 and is still
Shane R. Conklin
and Merlin, as well
increasing exponentially. as tree-nesting Bald
The loss of economic incentives for private for-
Solutions Eagle and Osprey,
estry has led to the sale and subdivision of forest • The U.S. manages 193 million acres in 155 have responded
industry lands and a rapid rise in second-home National Forests, 80% of which are in western Red-shouldered Hawk positively to protec-
and other ex-urban development, causing forest states. By 2008, 13% of forestlands in the west- tion from shooting,
loss and fragmentation. ern U.S, 6% in the East, and 26% in Alaska had banning of harmful pesticides, and abundant
been set aside in forest reserves. Conservation prey in urban areas.
Decades of unnatural fire suppression have
of roadless areas and additional reserves and
created fuel for more intense fires, dramatically
improved management, such as sustainable
increasing the acreage burned in recent years (e.g.,
forestry and grazing practices, would ensure the
9.8 million acres burned in 2006). Historically,
long-term viability of many forest birds.
natural fires burned large areas of some forest Cerulean Warbler by Greg Lavaty
types annually, but were less intense. These fires • Sustainable forestry practices improve the
were essential for the health of forests and their long-term health of forests. Economically viable
wildlife. practices on private lands and incentives for pri-
vate landowners can provide a mosaic of forest
Resource Use ages and structure to benefit diverse birds and
The U.S. harvests 21.2 billion cubic feet of timber prevent development.
from forests annually. Harvest increased by 40% • Smart growth and urban greenspace initiatives
during 1950–1980, but has declined since 1985. are critical for stemming the tide of suburban
More than half of all timber comes from south- sprawl and preserving the integrity and connec-
eastern forestlands, 87% of which are privately tivity of forest ecosystems. Incentive programs
owned. Only a small portion of timber originates that enable landowners to keep their land as
from federal lands, but important forest types forest need to be expanded.
such old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest
and Alaska remain available for logging.
Beyond Our Borders
Invasive Species Half of all forest bird species migrate from breed-
Nearly every important tree species is afflicted by ing habitats in the U.S. and Canada to winter in
an exotic insect pest or disease, which will likely the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South
be exacerbated by a changing climate. Mountain America. Collaborative initiatives involving inter-
pine beetle has killed vast areas of western pine national partnerships are essential for successful
forests and the hemlock woolly adelgid threatens conservation of these species and their habitats.
The Cerulean Warbler is one of more than 40 species of colorful
wood-warblers that breed in U.S. forests. They migrate thousands
of miles annually to winter in the Neotropics. Many long-
distance migrants are threatened by loss and degradation of
forests across the hemisphere.
13Eastern Forest Western Forest
Birds in Trouble Birds in Trouble
Roger Ericksson
Kenneth V. Rosenberg
Federally listed as endangered: Wood Stork, Federally listed as threatened: Marbled Murre-
Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Red-cockaded Wood- let, (Northern) Spotted Owl, (Mexican) Spotted
pecker, Bachman’s Warbler, Kirtland’s Warbler. Owl, (Southwestern) Willow Flycatcher.
Threatened: Florida Scrub-Jay. Several groups of birds are declining:
The eastern U.S. has lost two forest species to • Specialized permanent residents, such as
extinction: Passenger Pigeon and Carolina Para- Pinyon Jay (threatened by massive die-off of
keet. Hope is dimming for Bachman’s Warbler pinyon pines), Oak Titmouse (threatened by
Golden-winged Warbler Lewis’s Woodpecker
and Ivory-billed Woodpecker. loss of California oak woodlands), and Yellow-
Many eastern forest birds are suffering consistent and troubling declines: billed Magpie (threatened by loss of oaks and by West Nile virus).
• Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Bachman’s • Temperate migrants dependent on mature pine forests, including Lewis’s
Sparrow, year-round residents of mature southern pine forests, especially Woodpecker, Plumbeous Vireo, Grace’s Warbler, and Cassin’s Finch.
the highly threatened longleaf pine ecosystem. • Neotropical migrants such as Black Swift, Western Wood-Pewee, and
• Neotropical migrants that require large blocks of intact forests, such as Black-throated Gray Warbler. The steeply declining Black Swift is vulner-
Kentucky Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Eastern Wood-Pewee. The Ceru- able to increasing drought conditions because it nests behind waterfalls.
lean Warbler is threatened by mountaintop-removal coal mining along • Many Pacific forest birds, including Marbled Murrelet, Spotted Owl,
Appalachian ridges and clearing of riverine forests. Olive-sided Flycatcher, Varied Thrush, Band-tailed Pigeon, Rufous Hum-
• Species dependent on disturbed or early successional forest or natural mingbird, and Chestnut-backed Chickadee. Murrelets and Spotted Owls
disturbance (including pine barrens) including the Golden-winged War- require structurally diverse old-growth forests.
bler, Whip-poor-will, Prairie Warbler, Eastern Towhee, and Field Spar-
row, and popular game species such as Northern Bobwhite and American
Woodcock. Reasons for Hope
Vast areas of western forests on public lands are
protected from permanent conversion to other
Reasons for Hope land uses. Improved forest management, such
James Livaudais
Wild Turkeys were close to extinction in the early as restoring natural fire regimes and fencing
1900s but have increased tremendously (8.9% riparian areas to prevent overgrazing, can benefit
per year since 1968) in response to reintroduction many forest birds.
programs, management, and forest regeneration.
Spotted Owl
Gerrit Vyn
Many characteristic eastern forest birds, includ-
ing woodpeckers, chickadees, hawks, and owls,
Wild Turkey
have adapted to urban and suburban plantings
and parks, buffering them from the effects of
habitat loss and fragmentation.
An eastern deciduous forest turns ablaze Redwood and Douglas-fir forests of the Pacific
with color in fall. Eastern forests include Coast are some of the tallest forests in the
northern hardwood and other mixed forests world. Western forests also include conifer,
of the Northeast and upper Midwest, pine-oak, and pinyon-juniper forests of the
oak-hickory and other deciduous forests of mountains, riparian ribbons of deciduous forest
the Appalachians, coastal plain, and river along major rivers, and oak woodlands.
Gerrit Vyn
Gerrit Vyn
valleys, and southeastern longleaf and
slash pine forests.
14Boreal Forest Subtropical Forest
Birds in Trouble Birds in Trouble
Jack Bartholomai
Mark Keithly
Federally listed as endangered: Whooping Federally listed as endangered: Wood Stork.
Crane. Threatened: (Audubon’s) Crested Caracara.
• Lesser Scaup and White-winged Scoter nest • Smooth-billed Ani in Florida and Groove-
in boreal forests and winter in coastal regions; billed Ani in Texas have declined dramatically
both have declined by more than 50% in 40 for unknown reasons.
years. • Other less-common species of the Rio Grande
• The U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan identi- Rusty Blackbird Valley, such as Altamira and Audubon’s Altamira Oriole
fies four boreal-nesting species that are of high orioles, also have declined, possibly due to
conservation concern: Whimbrel, Hudsonian Godwit, Solitary Sandpiper, Bronzed and Brown-headed cowbirds that lay eggs in the orioles’ nests.
and Short-billed Dowitcher. Lesser Yellowlegs and Least Sandpiper also
are experiencing long-term declines.
Reasons for Hope
Sam Crowe
• Harris’s Sparrow and Rusty Blackbird are temperate migrants that winter
entirely within the U.S.; causes of their steep declines have yet to be de- Couch’s Kingbird, Long-billed
termined (Rusty Blackbirds have declined by 75% in 40 years). Thrasher, and Olive Sparrow
are among many species that
• Birds that periodically come south in winter, such as Bohemian Waxwing, are moving northward in Texas,
Pine Siskin, White-winged Crossbill, and Evening Grosbeak, have experi-
perhaps in response to warming
enced long-term declines. temperatures.
• Many Neotropical migrants show consistent declines, including boreal Acquisition and restoration ef-
specialists such as Blackpoll Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Connecticut forts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Warbler.
Service, the state of Texas, The
Nature Conservancy, and Nation-
Reasons for Hope al Audubon Society have created
a string of protected areas along
Boreal wetland birds such as Common Gold-
the Lower Rio Grande that are
eneye, Bufflehead, and Bonaparte’s Gull have
vital to many subtropical forest
increased. Management efforts for Trumpeter
specialists. The newly formed Rio
Swans throughout their historic range have been Green Jay
Grande Joint Venture is a public-
highly successful.
Deb Simon
private partnership striving to protect and restore additional remnant
Vast areas of virgin boreal forest still remain, pre- forests in south Texas and northeastern Mexico.
senting opportunities for large-scale conservation.
Trumpeter Swan Nearly all of south Florida’s remaining subtropical forests are protected
In 2007 and 2008, Ontario and Quebec promised
within Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Reserve.
to protect more than 120 million acres of Canada’s boreal forest—one of the
largest conservation actions in North American history if implemented.
Garth Lenz
Kenneth V. Rosenberg
The boreal forest stretches south from the arctic A forest of live oaks in Tree Tops Park,
tundra across an area larger than the Amazon Florida. Subtropical forests in the
rainforest, a blanket of spruces, birch, peat bogs, and United States occur only in south
other wetlands. Occurring mostly within Canada, Texas (Tamaulipan thorn forest) and in
the North American boreal forest extends into the peninsular Florida (bald cypress and
United States in Alaska, in states bordering the hardwood hammocks).
Great Lakes, and in northern New England.
15Arctic & Alpine
Key Nesting Areas Are
Threatened by Global Warming
and Energy Development Snowy Owl by Gerrit Vyn
Consider This: The State of Arctic Birds in Trouble
and Alpine Birds Federally listed as
Gerrit Vyn
PP Millions of birds travel from around
the globe to the arctic each year. endangered: Eskimo
Of the 85 species that breed in arctic and alpine
Curlew. Threatened:
Eighty-five bird species rely on regions, 38% are of conservation concern, includ- Spectacled Eider,
the arctic’s long summer days and ing 3 federally listed as endangered or threatened. Steller’s Eider.
abundant insect prey to raise their The arctic and alpine indicator, based on 27 obli-
young. gate species, has increased steadily over the past • In arctic Canada, the
Ivory Gull has de-
40 years. Dramatic increases in four arctic-nesting
PP Because the arctic is vast and remote, geese contribute to this overall trend. Because of clined dramatically in
data are lacking for many species. the remoteness of these regions, however, the indi- the last decade. This Ivory Gull
Some birds, such as geese and gulls, cator represents only 46% of obligate arctic and al- enigmatic and beauti-
seem to be faring well, but many pine species. A group of 10 landbird species shows ful species depends on arctic sea ice for feeding,
shorebirds and landbirds are showing a declining trend over the same period, with and is especially vulnerable to global warming.
worrisome declines. steepest declines evident in alpine-nesting rosy- • Arctic-breeding ducks that winter in marine
finches. Some sea ducks and many shorebirds waters have declined. The nonbreeding dis-
PP Disturbance to tundra from energy
are also declining; two-thirds of all arctic-nesting tribution of threatened Spectacled Eider was
exploration and changes caused by
shorebirds are species of conservation concern. unknown until recent satellite imagery revealed
global warming are affecting the
important concentrations in arctic waters off
birds’ food base and transforming
Arctic and Alpine Bird Indicator Alaska.
arctic habitats. Arctic-breeding birds
also face numerous threats during 60 • At least 38% of arctic-nesting shorebirds are de-
extensive spring and fall migrations. Arctic Obligates (27) creasing and population trends are unknown for
40
25%. A monitoring program to assess shorebird
Percentage Change
Arctic Landbirds (10)
PP Reducing emissions is critical to 20
populations is critically needed.
slow global climate change, which is
already affecting the arctic. Energy 0 Arctic-Nesting Geese
development and transportation plans 1,300
-20
should incorporate the conservation Arctic Geese (4)
needs of birds.
Percentage Change
-40
1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007
Year 800
Alaska's arctic coastal plain tundra includes some of
the world's most productive wetlands for migratory 300
shorebirds and waterfowl. The arctic region also
Gerrit Vyn
includes drier northern uplands and treeless alpine 0
1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007
areas on mountaintops. Year
16Major Threats minimize effects on breeding birds from oil The future of arctic habitats and birds
spills and other hazards, and include adequate depends on our ability to curb global
Climate Change disaster responses. climate change and to explore energy
Warming temperatures are more extreme at the • A system of protected areas in productive re- resources with minimal impact to wildlife.
poles than in other places on earth. Thawing per- gions of the arctic is needed to ensure that birds
mafrost in the southern arctic is lowering the wa- have areas to use as conditions change in the
ter table and drying out coastal tundra supporting arctic.
the highest densities of breeding shorebirds and • Management actions continue to be needed to
waterfowl. control the overpopulation of geese that nega-
Warming temperatures may cause a mismatch tively affect the habitat for other species such as
between the timing of nesting and availability of shorebirds.
food. Melting sea ice cover will affect seabirds, • As arctic birds respond to a changing climate,
such as Ivory Gull, by causing shifts in their increased monitoring efforts will be required in
marine food resources. Changes to vegetation and areas that are difficult to access, to determine
snowpack could affect lemmings, important prey population redistribution and impacts, and to
for Snowy Owls and other birds. develop conservation strategies.
Energy
Oil exploration and production threaten major Beyond Our Borders
areas of great importance to arctic-breeding birds. Most arctic and alpine breeding birds have large
Arctic warming will make it easier to develop off- populations in Canada, and some also inhabit
shore energy facilities and to transport products, arctic Europe and Asia. Birds that breed in the
increasing the risk of fuel spills that kill or harm arctic may winter in habitats from South America
birds. to southern Canada, so protection of international
wintering and migratory areas is essential. Of 51
Development and Disturbance
shorebird species that breed in northern North
Predators that thrive near human development, America, substantial populations of 40 species
such as arctic foxes and gulls, prey on the eggs (78%) winter in Latin America, Asia, Australia,
and young of ground-nesting birds. Predators Polynesia, and Europe.
introduced to islands can devastate bird
populations.
Reason for Hope
Oil and gas leasing
Solutions has been deferred
• Reducing emissions is the only direct way to for 10 years around
slow effects of global climate change. Better Alaska's Teshekpuk
monitoring is needed to understand the effects Lake, which supports
of climate change on arctic wildlife. high densities of
Gerrit Vyn
• Energy and commercial development plans breeding shorebirds
should avoid key breeding and staging areas, and large numbers of
Buff-breasted Sandpiper molting geese.
Long-tailed Jaeger by Gerrit Vyn
17Wetlands
Wetlands Restoration:
A Model for Bird Conservation
Green Heron by Steve Wolfe
Consider This: The State of Wetland Birds Birds in Trouble
Of 163 bird species that breed in freshwater wet- Federally listed as en-
Marianne DiAntonio
PP Nearly one-quarter of all U.S. birds
rely on freshwater wetlands, including lands, 24% are species of conservation concern, dangered: Wood Stork,
more than 50 shorebird species, 17 including 10 federally listed as endangered or (Everglades) Snail
long-legged waders, and 44 species threatened. Half of the remaining high-concern Kite, (Yuma) Clapper
species are shorebirds that breed in the arctic, Rail, Whooping Crane,
of ducks, geese, and swans. (Mississippi) Sandhill
boreal forest, or grasslands. The wetland birds
PP Wetland bird populations are well indicator, based on data for 139 species, shows a Crane, Piping Plover,
Least Tern. Threat-
below historic levels but management steady increase beginning in the late 1970s, coin-
ened: Spectacled Eider,
and conservation measures have ciding with major policy shifts from draining to Wood Stork
Steller’s Eider, Bald
contributed to increases of many protecting wetlands. Dramatic increases in many
Eagle (Sonoran Desert population only).
wetland birds, including hunted wetland generalist species, as well as arctic-nest-
waterfowl. ing geese and cavity-nesting ducks, contribute to • Green Heron and Spotted Sandpiper are among
this overall trend. the few wetland generalists that show long-
PP Degradation and destruction of term declines. Other declining wetland species
wetlands reduce clean water and include prairie-nesting Franklin's Gull and Black
Wetland Birds Indicator Tern, southeastern marsh specialists such as
other benefits to society and eliminate 60
critical areas needed by wetland birds. Wetland Species (139)
King Rail, boreal-nesting White-winged Scoters,
40 Lesser Yellowlegs, and Rusty Blackbirds, and
Percentage Change
PP Bird-related conservation programs many arctic-nesting shorebirds.
have contributed significantly to the 20
• See pages 9, 15, and 16 for more information on
restoration of wetlands. For example, wetland birds in grasslands, boreal forests, and
0
“Duck Stamps” and the North arctic habitats.
American Wetlands Conservation Act -20
have generated billions of dollars and
protected nearly 30 million acres. -40
1968 1973 1978 1983 1988 1993 1998 2003 2007
Year
Kenneth V. Rosenberg
More than half of our nation's
original wetlands have been Although many wetland birds show troubling declines,
drained or converted to other
uses. Many wetlands are
conservation programs have protected millions of acres
within other habitats, such as and contributed to thriving populations of herons, egrets,
grasslands, boreal forest, and
arctic tundra.
hunted waterfowl, and other birds.
18Major Threats and enforcement of regulations, have enabled Reasons for Hope
private landowners to maintain agriculture and
Our national bird,
Agriculture timber production while managing wetlands.
the Bald Eagle,
Excessive chemicals, nutrients, and sediments • Increasingly, hunting leases, bird watching, recovered from
from unsustainable agriculture can disrupt the and ecotourism are providing landowners with near extinction in
function of wetlands, dramatically reducing clean economic opportunities that are enhanced by the lower 48 states
water and other environmental benefits, and
Wilber Suiter
management of quality wetlands. after protection from
eliminating critical areas needed by wetland birds. • Land purchases can be the most secure form of shooting, restora-
Disturbance wetlands conservation. With more than 96 mil- tion of wetlands,
lions acres on 548 refuges, the National Wildlife Bald Eagle and banning of DDT
Impacts of floods and drought on wetland birds Refuge System is our nation’s only public land and other harmful
are exacerbated by degradation from stream base dedicated solely to the conservation and pesticides. Most Bald Eagle populations were
channelization, construction of levees, dikes, and protection of wildlife, with a high priority for removed from listing under the Federal Endan-
dams, depositing of fill, and unsustainable for- migratory birds. This network can be increased gered Species Act in 2007, after three decades of
estry practices. in key areas. conservation work to restore the species.
Energy and Climate Change • Small wetlands need special attention because Wetlands management and restoration also
Rising corn prices and conversion of wetlands and of their vulnerability to conversion during have contributed to thriving populations of
adjacent grasslands for biofuel production threat- droughts and their noteworthy value to wet- many wetland generalists, including American
ens the nesting habitat of several duck species and lands birds. White Pelican, Double-crested and Neotropic
other birds in the Prairie Pothole region. cormorants, herons, egrets, Osprey, Sandhill
Crane, Black-necked Stilt, gulls, and kingfish-
Global climate change will degrade wetlands, af- Beyond Our Borders ers.
fecting birds and other wildlife. Warming temper- The U.S. shares many wetland breeding bird popu-
atures and more storms, droughts, and floods will A majority of colonial-nesting wading birds,
lations with Canada. In addition, many water- such as egrets, herons, and White Ibis, continue
cause unpredictable changes in hydrology, plant birds from arctic, boreal, and grassland regions of
communities, and prey abundance. to recover from populations devastated by the
the United States migrate to Latin American and plume trade and market hunting in the early
Caribbean countries for the winter. Continental 20th century. Once nearly confined to rookeries
Solutions programs such as the North American Waterfowl in south Florida, many of these species have
Management Plan provide a solid foundation to expanded west into Louisiana and Texas, and
• Widespread public education efforts and
expand vital international cooperation. north along the Atlantic Coast.
government regulations helped reverse the
loss of wetlands starting in the 1970s. Continu- Osprey by James Livaudais
ing education about the value of wetlands and
management techniques are vital for successful
landowner incentive programs.
• Creative policies based on incentives and regu-
lation, such as the Wetlands Reserve Program
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