Nationwide decline in bird populations

According to experts, bird populations are facing a decline in Arizona and across the country. This is creating concern as birds play an important role in ecosystems by controlling pests and acting as pollinators.

In their 2025 State of the Birds report, the U.S. Committee of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) found that 1/3 of all bird species are of high or moderate concern and should be focused on in conservation actions.

Erika Flores, Senior Communications Manager for Audubon Southwest, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss why the bird populations are declining and what the public can do to help.

According to Flores, this is happening for a number of reasons. Among the causes for the declining numbers of birds nationwide is habitat loss, development, pollution, water scarcity and cats.

“Arizona is one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation, and even here, we have some of the most vulnerable bird species,” Flores said. However, one of the biggest reasons is a changing climate.

“Here in Arizona, it’s been getting hotter and drier, and birds really rely on stable conditions for them to be able to find food and also to breed; birds rely on our monsoon rains and our winter rains, not only for cooler temperatures and water but also for food. So insects and wildflowers.”

Another factor contributing to the changing habitat for birds is pollution. Part of that pollution comes from urban development, Flores said.