Published March 24, 2025
One-Third of U.S. Birds Need Conservation Action
Audubon Society of Rhode Island on the Recently Release 2025 State of the Birds Report
By Charles Clarkson, Director of the Audubon Avian Research Initiative
The 2025 State of The Birds report was recently released by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). The report outlines the population trends for every group of bird found in the US and the news is not good: overall, nearly 1/3 of all bird species in our country are of conservation concern due to population loss, continued long-term declines and the combination of numerous threats. Even the 489 species contained in the “Low Concern” category have experienced declining populations over the long-term.
Our Responsibility Just Got Bigger
When the Audubon Society of Rhode Island released its very first “State of Our Birds” Report in 2023, we identified nine "Responsibility Birds"– species that would be targeted for conservation across our wildlife refuges. While all nine of these species are still common in Rhode Island, they have all exhibited declining population trends over the past 50 years in Southern New England.
Four of these species – Chimney Swift, Eastern Towhee, Wood Thrush and Prairie Warbler – have now made their way to the list of Tipping Point Species in the newly released national report. Tipping Point Species have lost more than 50% of their entire population in just the last 50 years and require immediate conservation action. Now, more than ever, we need your help to focus our work on reviving the statewide population for these Responsibility Birds.
State of the Birds by the Numbers
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Shorebirds have declined by 33% since 1980, with many of these declining trends accelerating over the past few decades. In addition to having the most Tipping Point Species, the Shorebird Guild, which contains many long-distance migratory species, will require concerted international conservation efforts to reverse these declining trends.
Image: Whimbrel -
Grassland birds have declined by 43% since 1970, with the loss of their primary habitat being the key to their population decline. Grassland habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate and landscape-scale habitat conservation and restoration is desperately needed.
Image: Bobolink -
Aridland birds of the American Southwest have declined by 41% since 1970, with 22.5% of all species considered Tipping Point Species. Climate change is contributing to this loss as drought and wildfire become more common.
Image: Cactus Wren -
Forest birds have declined by 11% in the west and 27% here in the east since 1970. In our backyard, species such as Prairie Warbler and Scarlet Tanager are declining rapidly. The most prominent loss has occurred along the Atlantic Coast – where high development pressure exists.
Image: Wood Thrush (Tipping Point Species and Audubon Responsibility Bird) -
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While waterbirds continue to show population gains, many of these increasing trends have stabilized and now, long-term population growth is slowing. Wetland habitats are declining and the pace of loss is accelerating. Adherence to federal policies in wetland conservation are absolutely necessary to continue providing for the myriad species that rely on these vital habitats.
Image: Gadwall
We Need to Act Now
Our birds are in trouble and the situation is getting worse. The time to act is now if we want to save our natural heritage. While the political will to make positive change for birds might not exist at the federal level, we can each contribute to the conservation of birds individually. And, by working together, taking accountability for our own actions and living in a conscious way, we can make a difference that dwarfs what could be done at the state or federal scale. The majority of land in the United States is privately-owned. If managed correctly, we can make safe havens for birds and the resources they require to fuel their high-energy lifestyles.
Calling all Volunteers!
The 2025 spring migration and breeding seasons are nearly upon us! This season we will be collecting data on a large number of our Responsibility Birds – and we NEED your help! Sign up today to attend our training session and contribute your time to these important projects. Our birds are counting on you.
2025 Responsibility Bird Data Collection Training Session:
Thursday, April 3 at 4:00 pm: Sign Up Here!
Can't make it? A recording of the training will be made available to those interested in participating in data collection but unable to attend the Zoom session.
Eastern Towhee and Chimney Swift: tipping Point Species and Audubon Responsibility Birds.
