Plus: Ruffed Grouse drumming, a mystery bird, and seven simple actions to help birds.
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Cornell Lab eNews

March 23, 2025

Click or tap to read the highlights of the 2025 State of the Birds Report

Eastern Towhee by Michael Stubblefield / Macaulay Library.

New State of the Birds Report Is a Clarion Call for Conservation Action

From rare birds on the verge of extinction to still-common birds in rapid decline—such as the Eastern Towhee—the newest State of the Birds Report highlights 112 species North American species that require immediate, focused action to reverse alarming declines. The report also highlights conservation actions that work, and ways that human health is connected to thriving bird populations. Read the main takeaways. 

Tap or click to reveal the mystery species

Mystery birds by Trish Snider / Macaulay Library. 

What Species Is This? 

The duo in this photo are beginning an elaborate courtship ritual involving dancing, diving, rushing, and bill-grasping—behavior that often happens in late winter and early spring, before the birds reach the northern lakes where they breed. Look for these colorful birds on larger bodies of water in March and April as they migrate north along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and up through the Great Lakes and Great Plains regions. Do you know the name of the species? 

Click ro tap to see and hear the amazing drumming of the Ruffed Grouse

Ruffed Grouse by Blair Dudeck / Macaulay Library.

Listen and Watch: A Percussion Concert in the Forest

One of the quintessential forest sounds of North America is the drumming of the male Ruffed Grouse—a series of deep, accelerating thumps as the bird flaps its wings in front of its body. How do they make that sound? And what does a drumming grouse look like? Immerse yourself in the sound and watch the drumming in action. 

Click or tap to see the 7 simple actions you can take to help birds

Barn Swallow by

Laure Wilson Neish / Macaulay Library.

Seven Simple Actions

How many of these simple, bird-saving ideas can you incorporate into your daily routine? From the coffee you drink, to what you buy, to the way you tend the land where you live, there are easy ways to help stem the declines in bird populations.  

Click or tap to read about the benefits of Cornell Lab membership

Blue-winged Teal by

Matthew Addicks / Macaulay Library.

Join Our Flock

The latest State of the Birds Report highlights the urgent need to work together protecting the birds we love. Become a member of the Cornell Lab and you’ll help drive discoveries to make the planet a better place for birds and people, and deepen your commitment to birds and nature.

Become a Lab Member Today

Bird News and Resources

 
Nesting Season Is Ramping Up! Brush up on the NestWatch Code of Conduct and take a quiz, become a certified NestWatcher, and report nearby nests for science this spring and summer.   
 
WEBINAR: From Egg to Adult: Exploring the Nesting Cycle
April 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
Teachers! Join our K-12 Education and NestWatch teams for a free participatory-science webinar demonstrating hands-on activities with real nesting data. Register here.
 
Acoustic Monitoring Network Enhances Forest Management: 1,600 monitoring sites across 6 million acres in the Sierra Nevada point the way to improved forest health.
 
Last Day to Vote for BirdSpotter Photo Contest Finalists: Voting ends today, Sunday, March 23. Check out the stellar images and pick your favorite!  
 
Attend a Bird Festival: Festivals are a great way to enjoy birds and meet like-minded people. See our bird festival directory. 

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The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth’s biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds.

 

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