Pioneering Report Documents Plight of North American Birds

Nearly 150 species of North American birds are in significant trouble, according to a report released May 11, 2010, by a consortium of US, Canadian, and Mexican government agencies, NGOs, universities, and individuals. Of these species, 42 have plummeted by 50% or more in the past four decades.

All told, nearly a third of the 882 native landbird species that the three countries share are very dependent on lands in at least two of the countries. The authors say that the report is "the first comprehensive conservation assessment of bird species in North America."

• "Saving our Shared Birds: Partners in Flight Tri-National Vision for Landbird Conservation."
• Press release (includes contact information for many participating agencies and organizations in the three countries, including Environment Canada, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mexico's National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), US National Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and others).

One way to zoom in on this information is to see how the states, provinces, or territories you cover relate to migratory pathways that span the countries. A summary map for each state or province is available at:

• "Making Connections for Bird Conservation: Linking States, Provinces & Territories to Important Wintering and Breeding Grounds."