Cornell Lab eNews

More Than One-Third of North American Birds Are in Trouble

For the first time, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico joined forces to issue a trinational State of North America's Birds Report based on assessments for all 1,154 native bird species. The report finds more than one-third of all birds need urgent conservation action. Oceanic birds are particularly at risk, as are birds in tropical and subtropical forests. The good news is that with this report in hand, vulnerable areas and species can be targeted for conservation. And from homeowners to multinational corporations, everyone has a role they can play in bird conservation. For main results, breathtaking animated maps, and ideas for action, see the new report.

Which Species Are These?

This month's quiz comes as a video, and gives you a front row seat to birding amid a frenzied flock of feeder fans. One bird steals the show, sampling just about everything on offer, but the feeder is hopping with other visitors. We count seven species in all—how about you? Watch the video (you'll find answers posted in the video's description field).

Create Your Own Summertime Backyard Buffet: Birds are busy nesting at this time of year, and with new mouths to feed, they often take advantage of feeders. Check out our ideas to welcome feeder visitors this summer.

Meet the Araripe Manakin

This male Araripe Manakin wears an immaculate white coat with a beret-like crimson crest. Discovered in the late 1990s, this spectacular bird lives in a tiny range along an escarpment in northeast Brazil. Only about 800 birds remain, but fortunately a local conservation group called Aquasis is already at work protecting them. The Cornell Lab is working with Aquasis to produce conservation media that can help local campaigns build pride about the unique animals living on their doorsteps. This video is a sneak peek from a visit we made in late 2015. Meet the manakin.

Thanks to You, Global Big Day Was Birding's Biggest Day Ever

With 6,313 species recorded, 45,944 checklists submitted, and 16,758 participants from 148 countries, April 14th was the biggest recorded birding day of all time. Checklists came in from almost two-thirds of the world's countries, with Peru having the highest country total of 1,185 species. Thanks to everyone for participating, and to our sponsor Swarovski Optik. More highlights.

Team Sapsucker set a new Colorado record, finding 232 species in one day. Read about their Big Day adventure.

Team Redhead. On the same day, the Cornell Lab’s student teams competed in the 33rd World Series of Birding in New Jersey. Read about Team Redhead's successes.