by Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation
Birds are amazing! From the vibrant colors and calls of songbirds to the majestic flight of eagles, these winged creatures have long been a source of wonder and inspiration. Birds evolved from dinosaurs about 150 million years ago, and have survived the great extinction events of the past. But now, many of these remarkable creatures face an uncertain future.
The recently released 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report paints a sobering picture: bird populations are declining significantly, with 229 species now in urgent need of conservation. And New Jersey, with its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, is no exception.
Whether for full-time residents, migrants, or seasonal breeders, New Jersey’s lands and waters are crucial to the survival of nearly 500 bird species, each occupying a subtly different niche within our state’s diverse habitats. Of these, 150 are listed as species of greatest conservation need. These birds often face significant threats from habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental pressures, making their protection particularly important.
The situation has been deteriorating for decades. A 2019 study published in “Science” sounded the alarm, showing that North America had lost 3 billion birds over the past 50 years. The 2025 State of the Birds report reveals that this trend is continuing, with many species now at what the report calls the “tipping point” – at risk of vanishing entirely.
Among those suffering the most are shorebirds. These migratory creatures depend on coastal habitats for food and rest during long migrations, and New Jersey’s beaches and saltmarshes play a key role in their survival. The State of the Birds flags 19 shorebird species in North America as being at risk of extinction, more than any other group. That includes the piping plover, American oystercatcher, and many species of sandpipers – which all rely on New Jersey’s shoreline. For some, like the tiny red knot, the Delaware Bay is by far the most important stopover habitat, making this state we’re in critical for their survival.
Sea level rise is bringing more challenges. Many shorebirds and seabirds nest on saltmarsh islands, which are being lost to flooding and erosion caused by climate change. This loss of habitat is already visible in New Jersey, where aerial surveys show fewer islands are supporting bird populations than in previous decades.
Further inland, eastern forest breeding birds are also in trouble. These long distance travelers, which breed in New Jersey and other eastern states, spend their winters in Central and South America. Some, such as the yellow-billed cuckoo, have declined by more than a quarter since 1970. Residential development and agricultural expansion along the Atlantic Coast have eaten into the forests these birds need to thrive. The complex food web – seeds and insects – that birds need to survive is being disrupted by massive and widespread agricultural chemical use, loss of native plants to invasive species, and alarming levels of deer browse. Species that are declining are simply not breeding successfully enough to maintain their populations.
Despite this sobering news, there is reason for hope! Conservation efforts are already yielding some positive results in New Jersey. The eagle and osprey populations, once near extinction, have made a remarkable comeback due to targeted conservation efforts around the country. In New Jersey, coastline restoration along the Delaware Bay and wetland habitat restorations such as at the Franklin Parker Preserve are providing needed habitat for declining species. These efforts benefit not only the birds but also the wider ecosystem. Coastal restoration, for example, helps protect communities from the impacts of storms, flooding, and rising sea levels while also improving water quality and providing essential habitat for a range of wildlife.
In addition to protection efforts on public lands, we know that private landowners play an important role in protecting habitats. By participating in conservation programs, they can help safeguard the land that birds and other wildlife depend upon. And conservation partnerships between landowners, government agencies, and non-profits have been instrumental in creating protected areas and restoring vital habitats.
The challenges facing New Jersey’s bird populations are real but the science is clear: we have the tools and knowledge to reverse the declines. Adopting and following policies that protect habitats, support biodiversity, and address climate change will be critical. Every action counts, whether it’s supporting or participating in conservation programs, advocating for stronger environmental policies, or simply spreading the word about the importance of bird conservation.
But we need to step up these efforts if we are going to change the current course and create a future where the magnificent winged creatures of today continue to soar across our skies for generations to come.
To explore the 2025 State of the Birds report, visit stateofthebirds.org.
To learn more about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation at njconservation.org or contact us at info@njconservation.org.
