How to Protect Endangered Birds Every Day

In the past 50 years, over three billion birds have been lost from the United States and Canada alone. During the same time, 70 different bird species collectively lost ⅔ of their population – and they’re on track to lose another 50% in the coming 50 years. 

The numbers don’t lie: our birds are in trouble. And because birds and their habitats play a vital role in our ecosystems, if the birds hurt, our planet does, too. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help. Let’s dive into how to protect endangered birds using changes you can start making today. 

What Are the Threats to Endangered Birds?

Ultimately, the main threat to endangered birds–and most endangered species, at that–is humans. More specifically, human-caused mortality is the biggest threat to birds worldwide. 

Human behavior and society have fundamentally changed our planet for all living things. Birds are no exception to this. Today, the threat to endangered bird species is a combination of a few main factors.

Habitat Loss

Each year, millions of acres of bird habitat are lost or degraded in the US alone. Agriculture, forestry, and development practices are typically the culprits. 

Without robust habitat protection and restoration efforts, it’s difficult to respond to the problem quickly enough to avoid devastating declines in bird populations. 

Climate Change

Changes in landscape, ecosystems, and wildlife prompted by human-caused climate change affect birds in countless ways. Birds in every habitat can face new challenges like food insecurity or competition with invasive species, all while existing issues like habitat loss get worse. 

Manufactured Threats

Human-built structures like buildings, communication towers, and windows often confuse birds. Collisions with these structures, however, can cause serious injuries or even death in many birds. 

Meet Some of North America’s Most Endangered Bird Species

There are 89 bird species listed as either threatened or endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. That includes the critically endangered California condor, as shown above. Some other common endangered bird species in North America include the:

• Whooping crane
• Grasshopper sparrow
• Piping plover
• Saltmarsh sparrow
• Red-cockaded woodpecker
• Ivory-billed woodpecker
• Golden-cheeked warbler
• Florida scrub jay

How to Protect Endangered Birds: 7 Easy Things You Can Do

No matter where you live, the birds need your help. Want to answer the call? Here are some easy changes you can make to support bird populations and habitat restoration. 

1. Make windows safer to limit glass collisions

Bird eyes don’t see like human eyes do. As a result, it’s not uncommon for birds to collide with glass windows. In fact, up to one billion birds are killed each year in the US due to glass collisions.

During the day, birds may see areas blocked by glass as a potential habitat they can fly into. This is especially true when greenery or vegetation is reflected in windows. At night, migratory birds attracted to city lights may collide with buildings. 

You can help keep local birds safe by installing screens, films, or tape markers on the outside of your windows. Place your markers about two inches apart across the whole surface of the window for the best coverage.

2. Skip the toxic pesticides

Pesticides are bad news not only for birds but also for all wildlife. Avoid using pesticides like neonicotinoids, the most commonly used insecticides, as well as common insect sprays and seed treatments. 

3. Keep cats indoors to protect local birds

Cats are responsible for huge amounts of bird deaths worldwide. Keep your four-legged friends inside (or safely contained outside catio-style) to help your two-legged friends stay safe and healthy. 

Our felines may be wonderful pets, but they’re also the leading human-caused reason for the loss of birds – aside from habitat loss. 

If your cat loves to explore the great outdoors, opt for a containment method like a harness, leash, backpack, or stroller instead.

4. Add native plants to your property

In the US, much of the landscape that birds have to rest on during migration and while raising their young is dominated by pavement and lawns. These are great for us humans, but they don’t provide nearly enough food or shelter to support birds and many other wildlife populations. 

Reducing or replacing your lawn in favor of native plantings is a simple but significant change you can make to attract and sustain bird populations near you. 

5. Reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics

Literal tons of plastic sit in landfills and natural habitats worldwide, polluting our oceans and waterways and threatening the safety of wildlife. 

Minimize the amount of plastic you consume, and try your best to repurpose or recycle all that you plan to get rid of. 

6. Buy and drink bird-friendly coffee

The vast majority of the world’s coffee farms (about 75%) grow their plants in the sun. In doing so, they can destroy forests that birds rely on for food and shelter. Plus, sun-grown coffee typically requires the use of pesticides and fertilizers that can harm local ecosystems.

But fear not coffee lovers; there is another option. Shade-grown coffee helps preserve forest canopies so that migratory birds have a safe place to go during the winter. 

Shop with sustainable coffee brands that offer shade-grown brews to support bird-friendly practices and farmers. Better yet, invest in a plastic-free coffee maker and reusable coffee filters to minimize the impact of your daily habits even further. 

7. Learn more about endangered bird species near you

Do some digging into your local flora and fauna to find out how to help endangered species near you. Which birds are most at risk in your area, and what steps can you take to support them? What factors near you tend to threaten birds the most?

8. Spread the word!

Much of the threat to endangered birds is caused by a lack of information. When we humans aren’t educated on how our habits and decisions impact the world around us, it’s impossible to change it. 

Do your part by sharing what you know about protecting endangered birds with friends, family, and other loved ones. 

Or, get directly involved in the fight by joining a project like eBird, which allows you to track and share bird sightings while also contributing to conservation efforts. 

Another great resource to turn to is the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center, which offers plenty of educational materials and outreach advice.

You can also choose to support causes or brands that focus on environmental restoration and protection.

Our Take on Protecting Endangered Birds

If you’re someone who cares about sustainability, odds are you’re also passionate about environmental preservation and protection. 

The good news is that many of the changes you can make to live more sustainably will also naturally support birds and other wildlife populations! If you’re a bird lover and want to go above and beyond, making changes like those we’ve covered is a great way to get involved. 

Imagine a world without the bright chirp of a songbird, the gentle coo of the owl, or the simple delight of marveling at a flock of birds headed home. We certainly can’t, and we don’t want to. There is one clear thing we can take away from our current bird crisis: it’s up to us humans to work together to minimize the impact of our actions. 

All images via Canva