12 Ways You Can Help Save Declining Bird Populations
Every small action counts—discover practical and impactful steps to support and recover global bird populations in decline.
Bird populations worldwide face an unprecedented crisis, with scientific studies revealing an alarming loss of nearly 3 billion birds in North America alone since 1970. This mass decline—impacting both rare and common species—has deep consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and human well-being. However, each individual can take meaningful steps to help halt and reverse these losses. Here are 12 actionable, evidence-based ways to make a difference for birds where you live.
The Bird Decline Crisis: An Overview
Multiple scientific analyses indicate severe declines in bird populations across continents, primarily driven by habitat loss, climate change, pesticide usage, urbanization, and window collisions. Common birds—those many people see daily—have suffered the greatest losses, emphasizing a dire need for collective action to “keep common birds common” and restore fragile biodiversity.
- North America has lost one in four birds since 1970, equating to a decline of 2.9 billion breeding adults.
- Both formerly abundant and rare species have experienced steep losses, with forests and grasslands among the most affected habitats.
- Climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events, is accelerating declines worldwide, especially in the tropics.
1. Make Windows Safer for Birds
Collisions with glass windows are a leading direct human cause of bird death. Because birds cannot perceive reflections as barriers, striking windows results in millions of deaths annually.
- Apply treatments like decals, tapes, or films in patterns that break up reflections.
- Use external screens or netting to reduce the impact of collisions.
- Relocate bird feeders within 3 feet (too close for a lethal impact) or more than 30 feet from windows to minimize strikes.
2. Keep Cats Indoors
Domestic cats are estimated to kill billions of birds each year in North America alone, making them a top source of bird mortality.
- House cats indoors or build “catios”—enclosed patios—for safe outdoor enrichment.
- Never abandon unwanted cats outside; support local spay/neuter and adoption programs.
- Work with your community to enact responsible pet ownership policies that protect birds and wildlife.
3. Plant Native Plants
Native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses provide critical food sources and nesting habitat that non-native ornamental species cannot replace.
- Choose native species adapted to your local climate and soil for landscaping and gardens.
- Eliminate invasive species that crowd out vital native plants.
- Encourage neighbors, schools, and businesses to establish “bird-friendly” yards and community green spaces.
4. Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides—including insecticides, rodenticides, and herbicides—can poison birds directly and remove essential insect prey, leading to widespread declines in both beneficial insects and the birds that depend on them.
- Practice organic gardening or integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
- Minimize or eliminate chemical use on lawns, gardens, and farms.
- Lobby for restrictions or bans on particularly harmful compounds, such as neonicotinoids.
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5. Reduce Plastic Waste
Plastic pollution endangers birds through ingestion and entanglement, especially seabirds and shorebirds that mistake floating debris for food.
- Avoid single-use plastics (bags, bottles, straws, etc.).
- Participate in local clean-up efforts focusing on parks, rivers, and beaches.
- Educate others about the importance of responsible waste management for wildlife.
6. Create Bird-Friendly Yards and Spaces
Wildlife-friendly gardens and public spaces can become crucial refuges, especially as fragmentation increases due to urbanization and agricultural expansion.
- Grow a diverse mix of native plants that offer year-round food, shelter, and nesting sites.
- Include features such as brush piles, leaf litter, and water sources (e.g., bird baths kept clean).
- Reduce lawn area or replace with wildflower meadows and hedgerows.
7. Drink Shade-Grown, Bird-Friendly Coffee
Coffee grown under shade preserves forest habitat for migratory and resident birds. “Shade-grown” or “bird-friendly” certified labels ensure that coffee farms provide crucial ecological benefits.
| Type | Habitat Value | Common Labels |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Shade-Grown | High biodiversity, habitat rich | “Bird-Friendly” (Smithsonian), Organic |
| Sun-Grown | Poor to no habitat | Conventional, Non-certified |
- Choose coffee brands certified as “Bird-Friendly” by reputable conservation organizations.
- Support local or international efforts that advocate sustainable farming and habitat protection.
8. Participate in Citizen Science
Community-driven data collection projects—such as eBird or annual bird counts—provide scientists with vital information on bird populations, migration, and range shifts.
- Submit regular checklists of birds you see with smartphone apps or websites.
- Volunteer for local bird banding, breeding surveys, or nest monitoring programs.
- Encourage kids or classrooms to participate in citizen science initiatives.
9. Support Conservation Organizations
Many local, national, and international organizations work tirelessly to protect bird habitats, influence policy, conduct research, and engage in public education.
- Donate financial support or become a member of reputable bird conservation groups.
- Volunteer time or talents to help with hands-on projects, advocacy, or outreach.
- Share the mission of bird-focused organizations with your social and professional networks.
10. Reduce Light Pollution
Artificial lighting disrupts avian navigation and increases collisions for migratory birds, especially during spring and fall migration seasons.
- Turn off unnecessary exterior and interior night lighting.
- Install motion-activated or shielded (downward-facing) fixtures to limit skyglow.
- Promote “lights out” campaigns in cities—especially those on major migration routes.
11. Advocate for Strong Conservation Policies
Governments play a critical role in setting and enforcing regulations that protect birds, wildlife, and natural habitats.
- Contact local, regional, and national representatives to support science-based conservation policies.
- Stay informed about legislative initiatives affecting environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and land use.
- Vote for leaders and policies committed to biodiversity and ecological well-being.
12. Teach Others and Foster a Conservation Ethic
Education is a powerful tool for change. By sharing knowledge and inspiring others, you help build widespread support for conservation efforts and empower the next generation of environmental stewards.
- Talk about bird conservation topics with family, friends, classrooms, and community groups.
- Organize or attend local bird walks, talks, or nature festivals.
- Use social media to spread awareness about the crisis facing birds and the solutions available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are bird populations declining so rapidly?
A: Bird populations are dropping due to a combination of factors: large-scale habitat loss, use of pesticides, climate change impacts, introduction of invasive species and predators, glass window collisions, and pollution (including plastic and light pollution). Climate change is now compounding historical threats by altering habitats and migration timing worldwide.
Q: Which bird species are most at risk?
A: Grassland species, migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and some tropical birds show particularly severe declines. However, studies indicate even formerly common species such as the Dark-eyed Junco, White-throated Sparrow, and Red-winged Blackbird have suffered dramatic decreases in numbers.
Q: How do individual choices make a genuine difference?
A: Small, consistent actions—such as keeping cats indoors, using bird-safe glass, reducing plastic use, or planting native vegetation—add up when practiced community-wide. Supporting conservation organizations, participating in citizen science, and advocating for effective policies create broader positive impacts.
Q: Do birds matter for humans and ecosystems?
A: Birds play crucial roles as pollinators, seed dispersers, pest controllers, and as indicators of ecosystem health. Their presence supports agriculture, protects forests, and enriches our lives, making their protection vital for ecological and human well-being.
Further Resources and Getting Involved
- Consult reputable organizations such as the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon Society, local bird clubs, or native plant societies for more detailed guides and support.
- Join citizen science networks like eBird, Project FeederWatch, or the Christmas Bird Count to help with data collection and monitoring.
- Engage with community leaders, scientists, and educators for hands-on conservation projects in your neighborhood.
Despite the daunting numbers, science demonstrates that individual and collective action can yield real results. Many success stories exist where birds have rebounded when people prioritize conscientious choices, restore habitat, and maintain a strong conservation ethic. Join the effort—every small action counts toward bringing birds back.
References
- https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/north-american-birds-are-plummeting-in-areas-where-theyre-plentiful/
- https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/bring-birds-back/
- https://www.carbonbrief.org/fossil-fuelled-heat-has-caused-tropical-birds-to-decline-by-up-to-38-since-1950s/
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adw8971
- https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/three-years-after-3-billion-birds-lost-americas-birds-are-still-in-decline/
- https://pawilds.com/bird-lore-counter-bird-declines/
- https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/birds-7/bird-population-declines
- https://science.nasa.gov/earth/nasa-assisted-scientists-get-birds-eye-view-of-population-status/
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