The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report was released yesterday, documenting continued declines in most American bird populations. This follows research released in 2019 and co-authored by American Bird Conservancy, that showed that the continent had already lost 3 billion breeding birds since 1970.

Right now, just as the State of the Birds tells us that birds are clearly in deep trouble, the infrastructure that supports birds and all nature is under unprecedented threat, including the very laws, agencies, funding, and people who make bird conservation possible in the first place.

Birds are indicators of the health of our environment, which impacts all of nature, and ultimately every American. Birding, backyard bird-feeding, wildlife watching, and hunting are among our most popular pastimes, and more than half of all Americans are involved in one or more of these activities, generating more than $279 billion for the U.S. economy annually. We cannot hope to restore bird populations and conserve nature without the maintenance of the laws that protect birds and their habitats, and an increase in support for conservation programs.

American Bird Conservancy stands for bold action to support bird and habitat conservation. We value, care deeply about, and stand up for science and for our partners, whether these are federal or state agencies and their staff, or bird groups across the U.S. and Latin America. We care about and work on behalf of endangered species, clean water, and the need to plan land use to avoid harm to sensitive sites and bird refuges. We stand with everyone who appreciates and values birds and nature. In the 30 years since American Bird Conservancy was founded, we have conserved more than 10 million acres of habitat for more than 3,000 bird species, working with a vast range of collaborators from American ranchers and forest owners, to Latin American communities and policymakers. These actions are good for birds and nature — and help to slow and reverse bird declines. They are good for our health, and good for the economy.

We always have and always will resist initiatives that seek to undermine the fundamental protections, funding, and resources allocated to conserve birds and nature, which are beloved by all Americans and contribute so greatly to our environmental and economic health. We look forward to continuing our work with partners and policymakers to defend birds, restore bird populations and habitats, and maintain a healthy environment for everyone. American Bird Conservancy commits to doing everything in our power to ensure that bird conservation continues to support birds, nature, and people — through current challenges and long into the future. 

###

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) takes bold action to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, we achieve lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet's fragile climate. Our every action is underpinned by science, strengthened by partnerships, and rooted in the belief that diverse perspectives yield stronger results. Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1994, ABC remains committed to safeguarding birds for generations to come. Join us! Together, we can do more to ensure birds thrive.