{Basics of Bird Conservation in the U.S.

Protecting birds has been a national goal for Americans since the early 1900s. Our affection for birds is so strong that Rachel Carson's prediction of an eternity of "silent springs" sparked the modern environmental movement. As the futures of bird species have grown more precarious, Americans have responded with extraordinary measures to save their avifauna.

This essay summarizes the important steps we have taken toward bird conservation in the U.S. and provides basic information and resources on a range of issues related to this topic. Read on to find out what birds need, what threatens them, where bird conservation has been, and where it is headed. Let's begin with some basics.

The inclusion of a link in this essay does not constitute an endorsement by EPA of any organization's policies or activities, or of any item for sale. EPA makes no guarantees regarding information, data or links contained on non-EPA web sites. Please note that many of the links within the essay, other than the table of contents, will transport you off the EPA server.

Why do we care about birds?

How many bird species are there?

What do birds need to thrive?

What is the status of bird populations?

Why have species declined?

What is being done to conserve and restore species?

What needs to be done?

How do we collect the information needed to protect birds?

What can you do?

References Cited

BOX 1 The Condor Conundrum: The Rough Road to Species Recovery

BOX 2 Honk if You Love Geese!

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us