Protecting the World's Birds

One in eight of the world's approximately 10,000 bird species faces the threat of extinction. Habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and human-caused mortality are driving declines that affect ecosystems, economies, and the quality of life for communities around the globe. World Bird Info exists to reverse these trends through research, education, and the power of community science.

We are not a traditional conservation organization — we are an information hub, connecting the global birding community with the science, data, and action opportunities that make a measurable difference for bird populations worldwide.

The State of the World's Birds

The Numbers

• 1 in 8 species globally threatened with extinction
• 3 billion birds lost in North America since 1970
• 40% of the world's bird species in decline
• 187 species critically endangered — the last step before extinction
• 5 species confirmed extinct in the 21st century alone

Why It Matters

Birds are indicators of ecosystem health. When bird populations decline, it signals broader environmental degradation that affects all species — including humans. Birds pollinate plants, disperse seeds, control insect populations, and scavenge waste. Their loss cascades through ecosystems in ways we are only beginning to understand.

Our Focus Areas

Habitat Protection

Identifying, advocating for, and supporting the protection of critical bird habitats worldwide. From tropical forests that harbor irreplaceable endemic species to the grasslands and wetlands that migratory species depend on, habitat protection is the foundation of all conservation success.

Migration Research

Billions of birds migrate across international boundaries every year, connecting ecosystems from the Arctic to the tropics. Understanding migration routes, stopover sites, and the threats birds face along the way is essential for effective conservation across their full range.

Island Bird Conservation

Island birds are disproportionately vulnerable — nearly 90% of bird extinctions since 1500 have occurred on islands. Invasive predators (rats, cats, mongoose), habitat loss, and small population sizes make island endemics a conservation priority.

Climate Adaptation

As climate change alters habitats and disrupts the ecological timing that birds depend on, conservation strategies must adapt. We support research into how bird populations are responding to climate change and what interventions can help them adjust.

Community Science

The world's birders are its largest network of wildlife monitors. Programs like eBird, the Christmas Bird Count, and the Breeding Bird Survey rely on volunteer observers to collect the population data that drives conservation decisions. World Bird Info helps birders contribute their observations to science by connecting them with these programs and providing training resources.

How You Can Help

• Report your sightings to eBird — every observation contributes to the global picture
• Participate in counts — Christmas Bird Count, Global Big Day, and breeding bird surveys
• Monitor local sites — Regular visits to the same location reveal population trends that formal surveys may miss
• Share your expertise — Experienced birders mentoring beginners multiplies the conservation impact of the entire community

Education

Understanding birds is the first step toward caring about them. World Bird Info develops educational resources for students, teachers, and lifelong learners — from classroom curricula to field guides designed for young birders to multimedia content that brings the world's birds to audiences who may never see them in the wild.

The Global Birding Community

There are an estimated 45 million birdwatchers in the United States alone, and the global birding community continues to grow. This community represents an enormous potential force for conservation — people who already care about birds, already spend time in nature, and are eager to contribute. World Bird Info helps channel that energy into measurable conservation outcomes.

Every bird matters. Every birder matters. Together, we protect the world's birds.