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Foundational Science in Flight: USGS Bird Programs Support Conservation, Culture, and a Thriving U.S. Economy

Fact Sheet 2025-3011
Species Management Research Program
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20253011

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Abstract

Birds are vital to our economy, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Investing in bird conservation benefits communities, businesses, and working lands while reinforcing our nation’s legacy of stewardship and biodiversity. By valuing birds, we ensure a richer, healthier, and more vibrant future for all Americans. The USGS leads two national bird monitoring programs Thriving bird populations contribute over $100 billion in related purchases to the U.S. economy annually, helping to support 1.4 million jobs and $90 billion in labor-related income. Across our nation, Federal and State wildlife agencies, Flyway Councils, non-governmental organizations, and more consider data from the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Bird Banding Laboratory (BBL) and Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) to be critical to meeting their mandates to set healthy harvest levels and in identifying species of conservation need. However, without stable and sufficient resources for the BBL and BBS, the capacity to monitor and address the rapidly evolving needs of migratory bird populations is at risk, jeopardizing the foundation of collaborative conservation efforts across North America.

Suggested Citation

Ziolkowski, D., Celis-Murillo, A., Malpass, J., Pardieck, K., Martin, J., and Walker, L., 2025, Foundational science in flight—USGS bird programs support conservation, culture, and a thriving U.S. economy: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2025–3011, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs202533011.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

ISSN: 2327-6916 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • The USGS Leads Two National Bird Monitoring Programs
  • The USGS Bird Banding Lab (BBL) and Breeding Bird Survey (BBS): Catalyzing Discovery for More Than 100 Years
  • Advancing a Brighter Future for Birds and People
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Foundational science in flight—USGS bird programs support conservation, culture, and a thriving U.S. economy
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2025-3011
DOI 10.3133/fs20253011
Publication Date March 10, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Eastern Ecological Science Center
Description 4 p.
Country Canada, Mexico, United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details