The 2025 State of the Birds report was delivered to the American people by scientists from U.S. bird conservation groups. It highlights that bird populations are declining across various habitats, including grasslands, arid lands, forests, and fragile ecosystems like Hawaii. Even waterfowl, previously a conservation success story, are now experiencing sharp declines.
The report is an update to the 2019 alarming investigation that concluded 3 billion birds had been lost in the last 50 years. The biggest single cause named then was habitat loss. 6 years on, it appears the situation has worsened still further, with the 2025 report stating that around one-third of all American bird species are under threat. Nearly 230 species are now suffering from declining numbers at an alarming rate.
Report Conclusion
The report draws data from several scientific and ornithological sources and has reviewed the population loss trends for species that are dependent on a single habitat. It not only updates the 2019 report but gives an insight into what has been happening to our birds for the last 50 years (see graphic below). By breaking down species into broad groups, it paints an informative, if disturbing picture of our avian friends. But it is not all doom and gloom. Concerted efforts from local people, conservation groups, and with appropriate funding, show that these trends can be slowed and even reversed.
Shorebirds
Migratory shorebirds are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss with millions of birds using established coastal flyways which are under threat across the world. This group of birds has the most number of species that are declining. Under the report, these birds are categorized as Tipping Point species. Targeted conservation is recommended to prevent accelerating declines from becoming irreversible.
Grassland Birds
A combination of agriculture clearing, drought, and woody-plant invasion has decimated grasslands in the Midwest. The result is that more than 50% of birds breeding here are in steep decline. Initiatives like The Central Grasslands Roadmap Initiative are described in the report as an example of local programs that exist to restore habitat and monitor populations.
Arid land Birds
Similarly, in the far west hinterland, nearly half of aridlands have been lost with the report citing that nearly 25% of birds in this habitat are at the Tipping Point. An example of this is the habitat clearance for widespread solar farm installations. However, there are programs to monitor them and associated efforts to mitigate the effect on these species.
Western Forest Birds
Perversely perhaps, the management of western forests has led to a decline of native birds at over 50%. Changes in the habitats due to timber cultivation and fire suppression strategies are now being examined more closely with localized restoration efforts in place. Indigenous people and the loss of their management skills are another tragic reason for habitat degradation. Groups like the Pacific Northwest Oak Alliance are campaigning for more funding and support to protect and restore native forests.
Eastern Forest Birds
While some populations of obligate birds in mature forests are not in decline, widespread changes to forest composition mean that many species are in serious danger. The report recognizes that birds breeding in these forests need support not only here but also in their wintering grounds and along common migration routes.
Waterfowl and Waterbirds
Historically, waterbirds have been the most stable group in terms of population. However, wetlands and grasslands are now increasingly under threat with birds being driven out of traditionally protected areas. A federal policy introduced in 1989 to prevent net loss of wetlands is not being met. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of farmers support the extension of programs aimed at protecting wetlands and waterways.
Seabirds
The situation for possibly our least visible group of birds is dire with massive declines reported in seabird numbers. Complex reasons that are difficult to document range from plastic contamination to invasive species in breeding grounds. The report describes projects like the Pacific Rim Conservation which translocates vulnerable species to protected refuges.
Hawaiian Birds
Hawaii is facing disaster with at least 50% of its endemic species already extinct and nearly the same amount of species clinging on and classed as Endangered. Issues are complex and most bird species face multiple threats making conservation programs particularly difficult. As well as obvious climate and manmade threats, birds here face challenges from obscure issues like invasive mosquitoes carrying diseases.
Birds Benefiting Humans
The report concludes that over a third of the U.S. population enjoys bird watching in some form, even mentioning hunters as invested parties in the conservation of threatened bird species. The economic and employment benefits are huge but possibly even more important are the mental health boosts that nature, the environment, and bird watching provide. This all makes the protection of our bird species an important issue for everyone.
Final Thoughts
While there are no easy answers to reverse the decline in North American birds before it is too late, the report shows that when invested parties come together, they can make a difference in local, national, and international issues. The key message is that if we want to continue to benefit from these amazing creatures, we all need to take better care of them.
