• Feral cats caught killing Hawaiian common gallinule_Hob Osterlund_PR

    Endangered Hawaiian Gallinules Killed by Feral Cats on Kaua‘i

    Contact: Grant Sizemore, ABC’s Director of Invasive Species Programs, 202-888-7480 (Washington, D.C., August  17, 2017) Endangered ‘Alae ‘Ula (Hawaiian Common Gallinule, a subspecies of Common Gallinule formerly called Hawaiian Common Moorhen) are among the latest documented victims of feral cat predation… Read More »

  • Free-roaming Cats Spread Toxoplasmosis, Risking Human Health and Wildlife Too

    (Washington, D.C., July 26, 2018) A new study linking cats, toxoplasmosis, and human brain function has become a widely covered news story. It provides a new perspective on the impact of tens of millions of free-roaming cats in the United… Read More »

  • Jones Beach Legal Settlement Provides Safety for Endangered Birds

    Contact: New York Parks’ Dan Keefe, 518-486-1868 or American Bird Conservancy’s Grant Sizemore, 202-888-7480 or Steve Holmer, 202-744-6459 (Washington, D.C., and New York, N.Y., August 8, 2018) Based on a judicial order and settlement entered on August 6, the Piping Plovers… Read More »

  • Biologists Respond to ‘Science Denialism' Regarding Outdoor Cat Control

    Contact: Grant Sizemore, American Bird Conservancy, Director of Invasive Species Programs. Phone 202-888-7480 | Email:  gsizemore@abcbirds.org (Washington, D.C., December 3, 2018) A new open access study by leading scientists rebuts unfounded criticisms and reaffirms the need for effective outdoor cat… Read More »

  • Cats | Invasives

    More than 4,000 invasive species—usually introduced species that did not evolve in a particular area—had been established in the United States alone as of 1999. The delicate balance of nature that gave rise to unique species like the Marvelous Spatuletail of Peru… Read More »

  • New Study Highlights Dramatic Impact of Cats on Young Birds in Washington, D.C. Suburbs

    For Immediate Release Contact: , 202-234-7181 ext. 210 Siamese cat with dead bird, by stock.xchng (Washington, D.C., March 14, 2011) A new study on the effects of urbanization on wildlife that tracked the early lives of gray catbirds in three… Read More »

  • Scientists Call for New Cat Management Strategy to Reduce Risk of Toxoplasmosis

    Media Contact: Jordan Rutter, Director of Public Relations, 202-888-7472 | jerutter@abcbirds.org Expert Contact: Grant Sizemore, Director of Invasive Species, 202-888-7480 | gsizemore@abcbirds.org (Washington, D.C., May 1, 2019) New research published in EcoHealth by veterinary, public health, and wildlife conservation scientists, including American Bird… Read More »

  • Twelve Tips to Help Migratory Birds on Their Way

    Spring migration, one of nature's greatest annual journeys, is underway as billions of migratory birds leave their wintering grounds and head north toward seasonal food sources and favorite nesting spots. But this high-endurance pilgrimage isn't without danger. Outdoor cats, poorly… Read More »

  • Conservation Groups Win Injunction to Halt Feral Cat Program in Los Angeles

    Feral cat colony. Photo: © R. Sharon, flicker.com   A superior court judge has ruled in favor of a coalition of conservation groups that includes ABC, to halt the controversial practice of Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) of feral cats… Read More »

  • Threats to Birds

      Despite concern from the public, substantial challenges remain in reducing and mitigating many of the most significant sources of bird mortality. Changes in lighting on communication towers and the marking of electrical lines to stop collisions are just two… Read More »

  • Hooded Warbler killed by cat, forestpath/Shutterstock

    Take Action

    Sign the Cats Pledge! Join other responsible pet owners who have signed the pledge to keep cats indoors. Take a Stand on Cats and Birds Join with us to express your thoughts on current bird-related issues to decision makers. View… Read More »

  • 'Tis the Season to #GiveBackToBirds: 20+ Plus Ways to Help

    Here at ABC, we are always thinking about ways to give back to birds (like this hummingbird, featured in our logo). And because December is the season of giving, we kicked off a month of suggesting ways--big and small--that enable… Read More »

  • The Nature of Threats to Birds

    Here’s a simple taxonomy of threats to birds. Those that are natural (normal predation, disease, weather events, etc.); those affecting reproduction (nesting habitat loss or degradation); and those affecting the survivorship of adults (everything else). How we think about these… Read More »

  • Stuck at home? Use the Opportunity to Make Migration Safer for Birds

    Birds have inspired many of us this spring. Here are seven home activities to give back during the COVID-19 outbreak. Instead of pursuing birds this spring, many of us have settled in, watching from windows and yards. While the setting… Read More »

  • Top 2020 Bird Conservation Highlights

    In spite of the challenges posed by the global pandemic, American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and partners rallied our way to a great year in 2020, achieving notable gains for bird conservation throughout the Western Hemisphere. We created new protected areas… Read More »

  • I'iwi/Jack Jeffrey

    Protect Hawai‘i's Native Birds from Extinction

    Thanks to the generosity of ABC supporters, we have reached our campaign goal, but we are still accepting donations until September 30. 'A'ohe pu'u ki'eki'e ke ho'a'o 'ia e pi'i No hill is too high to be climbed In many… Read More »

  • Juan Fernández Firecrown

    The beautiful Juan Fernández Firecrown is surely one of the world’s most isolated hummingbird species. Unlike mainland birds such as the Chilean Woodstar, this hummingbird is found on just one far-flung Pacific island in Chile's remote Juan Fernández Archipelago, more… Read More »

  • White-eyed Vireo

    The elusive White-eyed Vireo is a bird of dense, scrubby habitats. Like the Yellow-breasted Chat, this yellow, gray, and white bird is more often heard than seen. But this vireo is just as curious as another denizen of thick foliage,… Read More »

  • Science and Conservation Organizations Send Letter Supporting Florida Keys Predator Management Plan

    Reddish Egret. By: Ashok Khosla (Washington, D.C., February 16, 2011) American Bird Conservancy, the nation’s leading bird conservation organization, and 27 additional science and conservation organizations have signed a letter to the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge supporting their plans… Read More »

  • Migrating and Breeding Birds Need Your Help

    Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Bob Johns (Washington, D.C., April 9, 2013) As temperatures start to climb, birds begin their annual spring migration and also begin breeding.  American Bird Conservancy (ABC) often gets asked, particularly during the spring, “How can I help… Read More »