State of the Birds 2022

In 2019, a landmark report showed that America’s birds are in crisis—2.9 billion birds have been lost in the United States and Canada since 1970. The newly released U.S. State of the Birds 2022 report is the first comprehensive look at U.S. birds since this 2019 report. While it shows similar grim trends, there is a hint of a more hopeful future as well.

Using the latest bird monitoring and scientific data to assess the status and health of all U.S. birds, the National Park Service joined 32 leading science and conservation organizations and agencies to publish the U.S. State of the Birds 2022 report.

Female common goldeneye

©Carey Chisholm

The positive news is that in places where investments in wetland conservation have improved conditions for birds and people, waterfowl populations are increasing—strongly. In fact, the populations of geese and swans have increased an astounding 1,076% since 1970! Waterbirds and ducks also saw a positive increase during this time. This suggests that continued investment in habitat conservation can make a big difference in bird populations.

Now for the grim news... Data shows that more than half of U.S. bird species are declining in almost every other habitat, from forests to grasslands. Of the declining species, the fastest declining birds are grassland birds with a 34% loss since 1970. The report also identifies 70 “Tipping Point” species that have lost 50% of their population in the last 50 years and are on track to lose another half or more in the next 50 years— making them highly vulnerable to extinction.

Courtesy of Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Text description of graph

Title: Trends for U.S. Breeding bird species by group or habitat during 1970-2019, except for the shorebird trend, which begins in 1980.
X-axis: Year (1970-2020)
Y-axis: Population trend (% change)

Geese and Swans: +1,076
Dabbling/Diving Ducks: +34%
Waterbirds: +18%
Western Forest Birds: -5%
Aridland Birds: -26%
Eastern Forest Birds: -27%
Sea Ducks: -30%
Shorebirds: -33%
Grassland Birds: -34%
Tipping Point Species: -67%

In order to reverse the declines, the report urges agencies and organizations to take a strategic approach to conservation starting now. Birds are key indicators of environmental health, so by helping birds we are also boosting biodiversity, climate resiliency, environmental justice, and our own quality of life. Through restoring habitat, effective policies, and smart actions to help species in peril, we can help bend the curve to bring birds back.

Read the full report

State of the Birds 2022

Find out how you can help birds in your own backyard.