By Teri Reitan, Alliance for Sustainability Co-Executive Director
Migratory birds are in trouble.
The 2025 State of the Birds report shows that bird populations are declining across almost every habitat in the US. 229 species now require urgent conservation action, including 112 Tipping Point species that have lost more than half their populations in the last 50 years.
This decline affects more than wildlife. Birding contributes $279 billion to the U.S. economy and supports 1.4 million jobs. Healthy bird populations also reflect healthy wetlands, forests, coasts and grasslands that communities and outdoor traditions depend on.
Conservation works. The report points to the value of science-based habitat protection and recognizes that long-term efforts by hunters, landowners, agencies and others have helped bird populations recover in some places when conditions are right.
What already works:
The Urban Bird Treaty Program has shown what’s possible — cities across the US have restored habitat, reduced bird collisions and brought migratory birds back into urban spaces. It’s proof that when communities invest in habitat, wildlife returns.
What this bill does:
The Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act builds on that success by expanding funding and grants to help Tribal nations and smaller communities — so more places can restore and create bird-friendly habitat where it’s needed most.
Why this matters:
Investing in green spaces isn’t just about birds — it’s about us too. Urban habitat cools cities, cleans the air, reduces flooding and supports our physical and mental health. It even strengthens local economies, with birdwatching contributing over $100 billion annually in the US.
It’s time to take action:
Now we need renewed action to protect migratory birds and the habitats they need to survive. Please join the Alliance in signing Audubon’s petition to support practical, collaborative conservation solutions for migratory birds before more species reach the brink.