Improving urban habitats and protections for birds in cities and villages across the Americas is a big step forward in bird conservation. This Magnolia Warbler is nesting in Canada, but will migrate through the United States to winter in the Caribbean or Central America (photo by Paul Konrad).

The Bird City Network, a bird conservation program that connects cities across the Americas in a unified effort to expand conservation efforts for birds, was launched last week by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and Environment for the Americas (EFTA). The Bird City Network will serve as a collaborative platform designed to promote sustainable urban planning, create bird-friendly communities, and raise awareness about the vital role people play in supporting bird populations, all by fostering cooperation within and among communities.

The Network seeks to ensure the long-term well-being of birds by enhancing their habitats, safeguarding their migration routes, reducing threats to their survival across their ranges, and providing educational information to youths and adults. These steps help improve healthy communities that also benefit people. By engaging with cities from North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean, the Network will foster international cooperation and raise awareness about the conservation challenges facing migratory birds across the Western Hemisphere.

“With more than 50 percent of the human population living in urban areas, it is essential that we recognize the critical role cities and other communities including towns and villages can play in protecting bird populations,” said Michael Parr, President of ABC. “By uniting cities across the Americas, we can create a powerful force for avian conservation.”

The program encourages participating communities to implement a range of conservation actions, such as preserving and restoring natural habitats, reducing hazards posed by buildings and other structures, and promoting community events to raise public awareness about birds and their needs for protection. Bird City Network participants receive guidance and support from ABC and EFTA, including access to a variety of resources, educational materials, and best practices in urban bird conservation.

“Urban areas have the potential to provide habitat for birds that depend on our cities,” said Dr. Susan Bonfield, Executive Director of Environment for the Americas. “The Bird City Network offers cities a unique opportunity to collaborate, learn from one another, and adopt strategies that will ensure our urban environments become safe and welcoming spaces for birds.”

“Many people who do not like what they see happening to wildlife in the world around them, would like to make a change, but do not know where to begin — Bird City is their guide,” said Dr. Bryan Lenz, ABC’s director of the Bird City Network. “Recognizing that local partnerships are the heart of meaningful long-term change, the Bird City model seeks to empower relevant grassroots actions where neighbors work together to improve the spaces they share.”

In areas with existing regional Bird City programs, communities interested in becoming a Bird City can immediately reach out to those programs about starting an application through the Program and Communities section at Bird City Network

Join the celebratory launch of the Bird City Network and learn more about the exciting work ahead in a webinar being presented live on Thursday, June 22 at 4pm EDT. Please RSVP (Free) at Bird City Network: Collaboration for Community Conservation (abcbirds.org)