The State of the Birds 2025

5 Years After the 3 Billion Birds Lost Research, America Is Still Losing Birds

A 2019 study published in the journal Science sounded the alarm—showing a net loss of 3 billion birds in North America in the past 50 years. The 2025 State of the Birds report shows those losses are continuing, with declines among several bird trend indicators. Notably duck populations—a bright spot in past State of the Birds reports, with strong increases since 1970—have trended downward in recent years.

A Third of U.S. Birds Need Conservation Action

About a third of all American bird species are of high or moderate concern due to low populations, declining trends, or other threats. These 229 species should be prioritized in conservation planning to protect existing populations and build toward population recovery.

Birds identified as Tipping Point species have lost more than 50% of their populations in the last 50 years. Tipping Point species include birds that need focused scientific research to identify drivers of decline, and immediate help through voluntary and proactive conservation action.

For more information on the State of the Birds go here.