Bird-Friendly Living

American Robin drinking from a bird bath. Photo by Dave Nelson, Shutterstock.

American Robin. Photo by Dave Nelson, Shutterstock.

The Rufous Hummingbird is a common backyard bird in the eastern United States.

Take these simple steps to help birds and you’ll also help many other species—including people. Here are simple ways to live a bird-friendly (and Earth-friendly) life.

Cat with Hooded Warbler under paw. Photo by forestpath, Shutterstock.

Keep Cats Indoors

Domestic cats (Felis catus) can make wonderful pets, but they can also take a serious toll on wildlife when they’re allowed to roam outdoors.

Avoid the Use of Pesticides

Many pesticides kill more than pests. Some so-called pests—like caterpillars—provide important food for birds. More about pesticides.

The American Goldfinch is a common backyard bird across the United States.

Tips for Organic, Bird-Friendly Gardening

Apart from the potential harm to humans and domesticated animals, as many as 67 million wild birds may be killed every year by pesticides in the U. S., though pinpointing the exact number is difficult.

Lake County, Illinois Rules That Homes Must Prevent Bird Collisions – A National First

Stop Birds from Hitting Windows

Birds fly into windows by the millions, with each U.S. home likely killing two birds each year. Here are tested, effective solutions for every situation.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird male perched on thin twig with wings up. Photo by Larry Master, masterimages.org.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird male. Photo by Larry Master.

Your Backyard Can Be a Buffet for Birds… but You Need To Be a Good Caterer!

Our yards can be vital habitats and following a few simple guidelines can help create a safe haven where birds can flock, feed, nest, and rest — and we can enjoy a closer glimpse into their lives.

Aug 31, 2025

Backyard Birds

A Tufted Titmouse perches on redbud, a flowering tree native to eastern North America. Photo by Michael G. Mill/Shutterstock.

Manicured suburban lawns just don't cut it for birds. Sure, you may see an American Robin stop by. But to attract birds to your home (and provide needed food and shelter), move beyond lawns to create a buffet of benefits for your avian neighbors. Read on for a list of plants that will have your yard...

Sep 3, 2025

Backyard Birds

Get tips from American Bird Conservancy to help birds in the winter like maintaining safe birdfeeders, offering nutritious foods, and reducing threats from cats and windows.

Mar 14, 2025

Backyard Birds

In North America, billions of birds are on the move for fall migration. They will collectively fly billions of miles as they journey south to their nonbreeding ground in search of the food and warmth they need to make it through the year. Some birds, like the Red-winged Blackbird, only need to trave...

Sep 23, 2024

Bird-friendly Living

Small Actions, Big Results

Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.

Keep Cats Indoors

Avoid the Use of Pesticides

Tips for Organic, Bird-Friendly Gardening

Stop Birds from Hitting Windows

Make a difference for birds by donating today.

Your Backyard Can Be a Buffet for Birds… but You Need To Be a Good Caterer!

Attract Birds: A Dozen Native Trees and Shrubs that Birds Love

This Winter, Make Your Backyard a Safe Haven for Birds

How to Help Birds During Fall Migration