Center for Avian Population Studies

Big data, big impact.

In the Center for Avian Population Studies we innovate scientific, computational, and data resources that transform how we understand and protect the world around us. Our specialty is harnessing the power of big data, from acquisition and curation to analysis, to advance basic and applied science, provide customizable data products and visualizations that support full-life-cycle conservation, and build capacity in others to monitor and analyze bird populations around the world. We move knowledge into action by working with partners around the globe to generate and apply science to real-world problems.

  • A Blackburnian Warbler in a coffee bush. Photos by Guillermo Santos.
    Scientific Discovery

    We conduct interdisciplinary research around the world to understand the threats and actions needed to protect priority systems and species, and the ways to work with people to achieve conservation.

  • Tricolored Blackbird by NIgel Voaden, ML https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/46575431
    Science to Action

    We bring information to decision-makers and practitioners to achieve landscape-scale conservation for ecosystems and birds. Examples include our work on the Golden-winged Warbler as well as our publicly accessible eBird data portal for state wildlife agencies in the U.S.

  • Cornell University economist Juan Nicolás Hernandez-Aguilera lectures to a class at the De Los Andes Cooperativa. Photo: Guillermo Santos.
    Partnerships and Capacity-Building

    With partners across the hemisphere, we share expertise and build capacity to apply science, monitor bird populations, and implement solutions that protect biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods.

  • Black-and-White Warbler by Ryan Schain/ ML57253311
    eBird

    We manage and develop eBird, partnering with organizations around the world to engage a global audience in sharing observations to empower research and conservation of birds and ecosystems.

  • Wood Thrush abundance map, eBird status and trends
    eBird Analytics

    Through the exploration, analysis, and visualization of massive data sets, we reveal insights on the distribution, movements, status, and trends of birds through time and across hemispheres.

  • Birdcast radar ornithology
    Radar Ornithology

    At the forefront of radar ornithology, BirdCast forecasts night-by-night densities of birds aloft, transforming our ability to understanding migration and reduce threats to birds.

  • An overhead view of land conserved by the Indian River Lakes Conservancy. Photo credit: IRLC https://www.birds.cornell.edu/landtrust/indian-river-lakes-conservancy/
    Land Trust Bird Conservation Initiative

    We provide resources, tools, and funding opportunities to help land trusts amplify the protection and stewardship of birds and habitats across 56 million acres protected by land trusts nationwide.

  • Western Sandpiper by Susan Schalbe via Birdshare, https://flic.kr/p/ofaexU
    Coastal Solutions Program

    Shorebird declines represent the number one avian conservation crisis in the world today, and to stem the tide, it is imperative to protect and restore these interconnected coastal habitats. The Coastal Solutions Fellows Program addresses the shorebird crisis.

  • Eastern Meadowlark by Nick Pulcinella, https://flic.kr/p/HBS1M4
    Policy and Management

    To ensure the best science is used in conservation decision-making, we help produce influential syntheses of scientific data such as the State of the Birds report and Partners in Flight conservation plans.

  • Snow Geese by Marky Mutchler https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/103511171
    Bird and Biodiversity Monitoring

    Working with partners across the Western hemisphere, we develop integrated bird monitoring programs to advance quantifiable, targeted conservation outcomes.

  • Neotropical flyways, Pathways and silhouettes by Chloe Lam.
    Full Annual and Life Cycle Conservation

    To better understand the distribution and ecology of migratory birds as they move across hemispheres, we study their full life cycles using innovative field, technological, and computational studies.

  • Colombia landscape, in coffee story, photo by Guillermo Santos.
    Conservation in Human-Dominated Landscapes

    We work to identify and incentivize creative ways to sustain biodiversity, protect critical ecosystem services, and support human health and well-being within human-dominated landscapes, including cities and working lands.

Program Staff


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Golden-cheeked Warbler by Bryan Calk/Macaulay Library