North America has lost nearly 3 billion breeding adult birds since 1970, representing a decline of approximately 29%. The findings were published in the journal Science in 2019 by researchers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, American Bird Conservancy, and other conservation organizations.

The scale of this loss is sobering, but there are meaningful actions each of us can take. Small changes made across millions of homes and communities can create safer, healthier places for birds.

1. Make Windows Safer

Window collisions kill enormous numbers of birds each year. Applying closely spaced markings or other bird-safe treatments to the outside of reflective glass can help birds recognize windows as solid surfaces.

Ask our team about the window-strike prevention products available at Wild Birds Unlimited of Colorado Springs.

2. Keep Cats Indoors

Keeping cats indoors protects birds and other wildlife while helping cats avoid vehicles, predators, disease, and other outdoor hazards.

A secure catio, harness walks, and an engaging indoor environment can give cats safe ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

3. Reduce Lawn and Plant Natives

Native plants provide insects, seeds, fruit, nectar, shelter and nesting habitat for birds. Replacing even a small section of lawn with native flowers, grasses, shrubs or trees can make a difference.

Choose plants suited to your property’s light, moisture, elevation and soil conditions.

4. Avoid Pesticides

Pesticides can affect birds directly and can also reduce the insects birds rely on for food. Many nesting birds feed their young insects, even when the adults regularly visit bird feeders.

Use the least harmful approach available and avoid treating areas where birds feed, drink, or nest.

5. Choose Bird-Friendly Coffee

Coffee grown beneath a diverse canopy of shade trees can provide valuable habitat for migratory and resident birds.

Look for coffee carrying the Smithsonian Bird Friendly® certification, which identifies coffee grown according to habitat-focused standards.

6. Reduce Plastic Use

Plastic waste can enter waterways and natural habitats, where it may entangle wildlife or be mistaken for food.

Reusable bags, bottles, and containers can reduce everyday plastic waste. Properly securing trash and cutting loops before disposal can also help protect wildlife.

7. Watch Birds and Share What You See

Community-science projects turn everyday bird observations into useful information for researchers.

Programs such as eBird, Project FeederWatch, the Great Backyard Bird Count, and Christmas Bird Counts allow participants to contribute observations while learning more about the birds around them.

 

Every Action Matters

Bird declines did not happen because of one single problem, and recovery will require many different solutions. Safer windows, indoor cats, native plants, fewer pesticides, responsible purchasing choices, reduced plastic use, and community-science participation can all be part of that response.

Explore the complete 7 Simple Actions to Help Birds campaign for additional information and resources.

Please share these actions with friends, family, and neighbors. Use #SaveTheSongBirds and #BringBirdsBack to help spread the word.

Learn More About the Research

The 2019 study, Decline of the North American Avifauna, was led by Ken Rosenberg of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and brought together scientists from several research and conservation organizations.

For more ways to create a safer and more welcoming backyard, explore our guides to bird-friendly spaces, bird houses and nesting boxes, clean feeders and healthy birds, and providing water for Colorado Springs birds.