North American Bird Populations Decline Amid Migration Peak

Multiple recent studies reveal that North American bird populations are undergoing severe declines, with new research showing that these losses are most acute in areas where birds were once most abundant. Analysis of nearly 500 species using citizen science data from eBird found that three-quarters of bird species are in decline, and in 83% of cases, declines are steepest in their former strongholds. Researchers suggest this pattern indicates that habitats once ideal for birds are no longer suitable, likely due to factors such as habitat change and climate change. These findings, echoed in the 2025 State of the Birds report, raise alarms about ecological stability and highlight the urgency for conservation action. Scientists emphasize the need for targeted strategies focused on the regions and species most at risk, as broad declines threaten not only bird diversity but also the health of entire ecosystems. The research calls for a coordinated emergency response to address what is described as a slow-moving extinction crisis.