New State of the Birds Report Released

The recently released State of the Birds 2025 report reveals continued widespread declines in American bird populations across all mainland and marine habitats. Ducks Unlimited joined numerous conservation organizations in co-authoring the report, which comes six years after the landmark study that documented the loss of 3 billion birds in North America since 1970. 

Key findings from the new report show that more than one-third of US bird species are of high or moderate conservation concern, including 112 “tipping point” species that have lost more than 50 percent of their populations. Duck populations stand out as having increased by 24 percent since 1970, thanks to strategic and cooperative conservation efforts by Ducks Unlimited and numerous partner organizations, corporations, government agencies, and private landowners. This year’s report reflects a recent decrease in duck numbers, due to a combination of extended drought on the prairies and the cumulative effects of continuing habitat loss. Grassland birds, which share many of the same upland habitats as nesting waterfowl, have declined 43 percent over the past 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,” noted DU Chief Scientist Dr. Steve Adair.