U.S. Bird Populations Continue Alarming Decline, New Report Finds

ITHACA, NY. – March 13, 2025 – The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report, released today by a coalition of leading science and conservation organizations, reveals continued widespread declines in American bird populations across all mainland and marine habitats, with 229 species requiring urgent conservation action. 

Ducks Unlimited joined numerous organizations in co-authoring the report, which comes five years after the landmark 2019 study that documented the loss of 3 billion birds in North America over 50 years. 

Key findings from the new report show that more than one-third of U.S. bird species are of high or moderate conservation concern, including 112 Tipping Point species that have lost more than 50% of their populations in the last 50 years. That includes 42 red-alert species facing perilously low populations, including the Saltmarsh Sparrow, birds that are at risk without immediate intervention. 

Duck populations stand out as having increased by 24% since 1970, thanks to strategic and cooperative conservation efforts by numerous organizations, corporations, government groups and private landowners. This year’s report reflects a recent decrease in duck numbers, due to a combination of extended drought across much of the prairies since the late 2010s and the cumulative effects of continuing wetland and grassland loss. Related, grassland bird numbers in the 2025 report show a 43% reduction in numbers over 50 years. 

Despite the concerning trends, the report emphasizes that conservation can succeed when adequately supported. "Many bird populations are struggling. But a proven blueprint for success is science-based planning and collaborative investment in habitat conservation,” said Dr. Steve Adair, Ducks Unlimited chief scientist.

Private lands programs and conservation partnerships such as conservation ranching, coastal restoration, forest restoration and wetland enhancement show how concerted efforts and strategic investments can recover bird populations. “Decades of strategic and aggressive wetland conservation from hunters, landowners, state and federal agencies, and corporations has boosted numerous waterfowl and waterbird species when weather conditions are favorable. We’ve shown it works. And we must do more,” said Adair.

Proactively working to protect America’s birds is not just about the birds. According to the report, supporting bird conservation can boost the U.S. economy. With nearly 100 million Americans engaged in hunting and birding activities, their contributions to local and state economies are substantial. The report highlights findings from the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, noting that the total economic output related to migratory bird hunting and bird watching activities is over $280 billion, and these activities support over 1.4 million jobs. 

“Birds tell us that we have a full-on emergency across all habitats,” said Marshall Johnson, chief conservation officer at the National Audubon Society.

According to the report, bird populations in almost every habitat are declining.

“There is no doubt that the 2025 State of the Birds report is cause for alarm,” said Jeff Walters, the conservation committee co-chair at the American Ornithological Society, “but it is also cause for hope. Public interest in birds and the economic benefits from birding are at unprecedented levels, as is the information available about the status of each and every one of our bird species.”

The report highlights the economic significance and well-being benefits of bird watching as additional reasons to support conservation efforts. It notes that birds and nature are vital for Americans' mental health, citing research indicating that encounters with birds have proven beneficial for human well-being, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.

“Fortunately, many of the actions that are good for birds are good for us. When we protect the habitats that birds rely upon, we also protect the ecosystem services that sustain us,” said Rodewald.

Download the complete report here. 

The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report was produced by a consortium of scientific and conservation organizations and entities led by North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). 

Media Contact
Chris Sebastian
Ducks Unlimited
csebastian@ducks.org
(734) 649-4680