News Releases—Archive
2025 News Releases
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology Launches BirdWise: A Revolutionary Bird Identification Learning ToolIthaca, N.Y.—The Cornell Lab of Ornithology today announced the launch of BirdWise, an innovative learning tool designed to transform how people learn to identify birds. This interactive quizzing tool covers more than 640 bird species from across the United States and Canada, offering personalized, adaptive learning for bird enthusiasts of all levels. BirdWise represents a… Read more »
- Study Shows How Millions of Bird Sightings Unlock Precision ConservationA groundbreaking study published today in Science reveals that North American bird populations are declining most severely in areas where they should be thriving.
- For the First Time, All Avian Evolutionary Relationships RevealedColleagues at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology alongside Professor Emily Jane McTavish at the University of California, Merced have mapped the evolution of every known bird species.
- The Birds and the Bees: Including Bird Data Improves Estimates of Wild Bee Species, Study FindsA new study published today in the journal PLOS One reveals that combining bird observation data with land cover information provides more accurate predictions of numbers of wild bee species—a metric called richness—than using either dataset alone.
- Study Reveals Factors Driving Range Expansion in Lesser Goldfinches New research published in the journal Ornithology shows that Lesser Goldfinches, a small songbird traditionally found in the Southwest, are expanding their range northward through the Pacific Northwest at an unprecedented rate, providing insights into how species adapt to environmental change.
- These DIY Home Improvements Will Help Save Birds This SpringLearn about how you can prevent bird collisions with windows from the Bird Collision Prevention Alliance, a coalition of agencies, conservation groups, and industry leaders.
- It’s Nesting TimeSpring is here and that means new life all around including nesting birds. The NestWatch project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology invites you to monitor bird nests near you and share in the lives of birds from nest building to fledging.
- U.S. Bird Populations Continue Alarming Decline, New Report Finds2025 State of the Birds Report Calls for Urgent Conservation Action For release Thursday, March 13, 2025 ITHACA, NY.—The release of the 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report was announced today at the 90th annual North American Wildlife and Natural Resources Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. The report, produced by a coalition of leading science… Read more »
- Acoustic monitoring network for birds enhances forest managementA new study using the largest network of microphones to track birds in the United States is providing crucial insights for managing and restoring fire-prone forests across California’s Sierra Nevada region.
- Underwater mics and machine learning aid right whale conservationUsing underwater microphones and machine learning (ML), Cornell University researchers have developed a new method to estimate North Atlantic right whale numbers — offering a potentially safer and more cost-effective way to monitor this critically endangered species.
Southern Wings Full Annual Cycle Migratory Bird Online Guide Now Available
January 6, 2025
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies releases online Bird Guide utilizing the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird program data including U.S. State Level eBird Data Summaries and eBird Status and Trends models to help states identify priority bird species and to develop state wildlife action plans.
2024 News Releases
Mapping Bird Migration with Feathers for Conservation, November 7, 2024
Paul C. Mundinger Distinguished Lectureship open to all on November 13
Join the 38th Season of Project FeederWatch, October 17, 2024
Monitor the birds in your space—and other winter wildlife
State-By-State Data Boosts Bird Conservation Planning, September 4, 2024, Cornell Chronicle
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Visitor Center Reopens, June 25, 2024, Cornell Chronicle
Garden for Wildlife Sponsors Poster of Bird-Friendly Garden Plants, June 25, 2024
“Lost” Birds List Will Aid in Protecting Species, June 17, 2024, Cornell Chronicle
Link Between Cocaine Trafficking and Biodiversity, June 12, 2024
Unexpected tie between a social problem and conservation
World’s Largest Hummingbird Is Actually Two Species, May 13, 2024
Surprise discovery found “hiding in plain sight”
Save Spring Migrating Birds, April 16, 2024
Cut light pollution and treat glass to prevent deadly collisions
Lyrebird Synchronizes Elements of Its Mating Dance, March 28, 2024
Study says environment plays a key role in the performance
Solar Eclipse Could Scramble Bird Behavior, March 26, 2024
Cornell Chronicle
Early Spring, Earlier Nesting Birds, March 26, 2024
Join NestWatch to help track climate change effects on birds
Great Horned Owl Comes to Live Bird Cams Project, Cornell Chronicle, March 5, 2024
FLACO Act Essential to Prevent Bird Strikes, Combat Population Declines, February 26, 2024.
Flock Together for the Great Backyard Bird Count, January 23, 2024
Share the joy of birding with others during this global event
Study: Only 18% of the global land area that is needed for human well-being and biodiversity is currently protected, January 10, 2024
New study highlights areas of potential conflict and loss
Apply Now for 2024 Land Trust Grants, January 23, 2024
Funds support conservation on private lands
2023 News Releases
Study: Temperature Variability Reduces Nesting Success, November 16, 2023
Nestlings are the most vulnerable to temperature extremes
Local Adaptation May Buffer Some Birds Against Climate Change, November 7, 2023, Cornell Chronicle
American Ornithological Society Announces Decision to Change English Names of Birds Named After People, November 1, 2023
Join the 37th Season of Project FeederWatch, October 18, 2023
Monitor the birds in your space—and other winter wildlife
Captivating Courtship: Leaping for Love, October 11, 2023
Paul C. Mundinger Distinguished Lectureship open to all on October 25
Birders & AI Push Bird Conservation to the Next Level, October 4, 2023
New method untangles interactions in complex systems
Wingscapes Teams Up with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, September 22, 2023
Partnership to enhance backyard birding
Light Pollution Threatens Coastal Marine Systems, Sept. 12, 2023
Offshore effects are still largely unknown
Free Webinars Celebrate Fall Bird Migration, August 29, 2023
Series hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
As City Heat Rises, Bird Diversity Declines, August 22, 2023
Conclusions of massive study in China
New Audio Technique Used for Census of California Spotted Owls in the Sierra Nevada, August 28, 2023
Novel Machine-Learning Method Produces Detailed Population Trend Maps for 550 Bird Species, August 9, 2023
City-Dwelling Wildlife Demonstrate “Urban Trait Syndrome,” August 8, 2023
Scientists find nuanced tactics are needed to increase urban biodiversity
New Cornell Lab of Ornithology Partnership, August 1, 2023
Enthusiast Hotel Collection guests get local bird information
Cornell Lab of Ornithology Visitor Center Reimagined, July 12, 2023
Major redesign to create new interactive experience
ZEISS Continues Sponsorship of Young Birders Event, June 21, 2023
Wildfire Smoke Threatens Endangered Orangutans, June 15, 2023
Cornell Chronicle
Merlin Milestone: App Now Helps ID Birds Worldwide, May 24, 2023
Tremendous feat powered by birdwatchers
Cities Have a Role to Play in Bird Conservation, May 16, 2023
Cornell Chronicle
Group Works to Make Campus Windows Bird Friendly, May 2, 2023
Cornell Chronicle
Woodpecker Guides Post-Fire Forest Management, April 25, 2023
New tool turns science into action
Study: Mountain Quail May Benefit from High Severity Wildfire, April 24, 2023
Findings from acoustic monitoring in the Sierra Nevada
Migratory Birds Can Partially Offset Climate Change, April 11, 2023
Study examines a key but costly strategy
Great Backyard Bird Count Results: Wow! March 21, 2023
Half a million participants did their bit for birds
Watch Baby Birds for the Joy and the Science of It, March 20, 2023
Witness the fascinating family lives of birds with NestWatch
Artificial Light at Night Aids Caterpillar Predators, March 20, 2023
Cornell Chronicle
Climate Change Alters a Human-Raptor Relationship, March 14, 2023
Dairy farmers welcome Bald Eagles
Grassroots Data Vital for Reducing Deadly Bird-Window Strikes, March 7, 2023
International study calls for increased support of citizen science
Study Finds Social Bird Species May Be Less Competitive, March 1, 2023
Behavioral data collected by Project FeederWatch participants
Nature Close to Home Associated with Well-Being During COVID, February 13, 2023
Study examines types of nature engagement during pandemic
“BirdFlow” model could reveal mysteries of bird migration, February 1, 2023
Cornell Chronicle
Join the Count: Good For You, Good For Birds, January 23, 2023
Positive vibes go both ways when people connect with birds
Land Trust Grant Program Seeking New Proposals, January 12, 2023
Cornell Lab of Ornithology grants support conservation on private lands
2022 News Releases
Study: More Than One Way to Build a Black Bird, November 1, 2022
Research highlights quirks of remote island evolution
Free Mapping Tool to Help Improve Bird Conservation and Land Protection, October 27, 2022
Tool merges relevant data for 14 northeastern states
Study: Migrating Birds Attracted by Light Pollution Face Higher Toxic Chemical Exposure, Oct. 25, 2022
Gulf of Mexico states of special concern
FeederWatchers Are More Important than Ever, October 18, 2022
Halting the decline of bird populations requires data
2022 U.S. State of the Birds Report Reveals Widespread Losses, October 12, 2022
Birds in all habitats declining–except for one
Small Garden Bird Has an Outsized Impact, September 28, 2022
Paul C. Mundinger Distinguished Lectureship, open to the public on October 6
Migration Celebration Returns! September 6, 2022
Be there in person or online for free events
Flight Plan: Turn Off Lights for Migratory Birds, August 11, 2022
Take the pledge to go Lights Out, Texas!
Birds On Island Time, August 10, 2022
Study relates island characteristics with the seasonal ebb and flow of bird species
New Course Helps Awaken Curiosity About Nature, July 28, 2022
Get expert advice gathered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Competition Limits the Ranges of Mountain Birds, July 21, 2022
Citizen science data help clarify a longstanding puzzle
ZEISS Continues Sponsorship of Young Birder’s Event, July 6, 2022
Young people with a passion for birds gather at Cornell Lab
BirdNET app opens new avenues for citizen science, June 28, 2022
Free machine-learning app reduces barriers to global bird research
California Condor Chick Hatches on Live “Condor Cam,” May 19, 2022
Fans flock to Cornell Lab of Ornithology Bird Cam site to see the little one
Global Bird Populations Steadily Declining, May 5, 2022
Study conclusion mirrors shocking losses previously shown in North America
New Regional Bird Guides Simplify Identification, April 28, 2022
All About Birds series has a book for the birds near you
See How Many Migratory Birds Are Passing Over Your County, April 20, 2022
New visualizations from BirdCast reveal scale of migration above you each night
Critical Period for “Lights Out Texas” Coming Soon, April 14, 2022
More than half of migratory birds that pass through Texas will be aloft
Hear Spring in a Whole New Way with Merlin, April 12, 2022
The free app identifies more than 450 bird species by sound
Light Pollution Increasing Year-Round for Some Migrating Birds, March 29, 2022
Southeastern U.S., Mexico, & Central America of greatest concern
Do Good for Birds & Science with NestWatch, March 15, 2022
Get a peek into bird family life
Migration is ON. Turn Lights OFF! March 3, 2022
Lights Out Texas ramps up for epic bird journeys
Birds Most at Risk from Air and Light Pollution, February 22, 2022
Study looks at combined effects on night migrants
Hummingbirds Exert Fine Control Over Body Heat, February 2, 2022
Study finds state of torpor is flexible and variable
Birds Bring Us Together for the Great Backyard Bird Count, January 31, 2022
Join the global community in sharing a love of birds & nature
Look Who’s Talking Now: The Fishes! January 27, 2022
Cornell study finds widespread sound communication among fish
Bald Eagle Rebound Stunted by Poisoning from Lead Ammunition, January 13, 2022
Despite increasing numbers, lead shot is reducing eagle populations in the Northeast
Apply Now for Cornell Land Trust Grants to Protect Birds, January 12, 2022
Grants support conservation projects on private lands
2021 News Releases
Bird-Singing Contests: A Clash of Culture & Conservation, December 8, 2021
Research examines how widespread this practice may be
Green Gifts that Benefit Birds, Nature, and People, November 30, 2021
These gifts expand knowledge about birds and nature
There May Be More Bird Species in The Tropics Than We Know, November 17, 2021
Study suggests many isolated bird populations merit species status
Can’t Find Your Keys? You Need a Chickadee Brain, November 9, 2021
Scientists identify a link between spatial memory and genes in a bird
Help Birds From the Comfort of Home With FeederWatch, November 1, 2021
Learn more about your backyard birds and contribute to science
New Grant Supports Native Habitat Restoration, September 30, 2021
Santa Rita Ranch receives funds from Lab’s Land Trust program
Some Hummingbird Females Look Like Males to Evade Harassment, August 26, 2021
New study finds females that look like males get more food
Study Identifies Patterns In Bird-Plane Collisions, August 19, 2021
The time of year and the size of the bird are key
Birds Are On the Move, So It’s “Lights Out Texas” Time, August 16, 2021
Get migration alerts to know when birds need your help
How Sweet It Is: Study Finds Songbirds CAN Taste Sugar, July 9, 2021
Having a sweet tooth may be a good thing—if you’re a songbird
What Bird is Singing? Ask the Merlin Bird ID App for an Instant Answer, June 23, 2021
Free app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology now identifies bird sounds in real time, using AI technology
Kathleen E. Melkonian Fund for Bird Biology, Evolution, and Behavior Established to Expand Student Research in Ornithology, June 11, 2021
Fund will provide up to $5,000 per year for graduate students and senior undergraduates
Major Gift Establishes K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics at Cornell Lab, June 4, 2021
Darkened Windows Save Migrating Birds, June 7, 2021
New study finds decreasing lit windows could reduce bird collisions by 60%.
eBird Data Used to Shape Eagle Management, April 25, 2021
Cornell Lab’s eBird is helping the federal government streamline and refine its process for assessing eagle populations and informing eagle management.
Backyard Bird Feeding Sparks a Songbird “Reverse Migration”, April 14, 2021
Bird feeders, fruit-bearing plants, and a warming world are changing the movements and the physiology of Eurasian Blackcaps.
WATCH LIVE: A California Condor Nest on Cornell Lab’s Bird Cams, April 27, 2021
Peek into the lives of a new condor chick and its family near Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in California.
Genetic Shuffling Gives Rise to a New Bird Species, March 25, 2021
Researchers discover nature’s evolutionary “shortcut.”
Analysis: Birds Vs. Bacteria. Who’s Winning?, April 6, 2021
Data from citizen science tracks ongoing “arms race.”
Shade-Grown Coffee Could Help Save Birds, If Only People Knew About It, March 2, 2021
Survey finds even birdwatchers are not aware of bird-friendly coffee benefits.
Male Lyrebirds Create an “Acoustic Illusion” to Snare Potential Mates, February 25, 2021
Researchers discover unexpected role for mimicry.
Bearded Seals Are Loud—But Not Loud Enough, February 24, 2021
Vocal threshold may hamper survival of this Arctic species
Study Finds Even the Common House Sparrow is Declining, February 11, 2021
Citizen scientists provide the research data
Starling Success Traced to Rapid Adaptation, February 9, 2021
Genetic evolution doesn’t always take millions of years.
How Many Birds Will You Find? January 28, 2021
Worldwide Great Backyard Bird Count starts on February 12.
Land Trust Grants Protect Birds & Habitat: Apply Now, January 19, 2021
Land trusts are a vital link to conservation on private lands.
2020 News Releases
Holiday Gifts That Give Back to Birds and Nature, November 30, 2020
For the nature lover on your list, gifts that will grow their knowledge—and help the birds
Could Private Investment Finance Conservation? November 30, 2020
With $9 trillion invested in American sustainable investment funds in the United States, a special report explores the future for conservation finance.
Study: Clean Air Act Saved 1.5 Billion Birds, November 24, 2020
Improved air quality, reduced ozone pollution may have averted bird deaths
Bright Idea to Dim Lights Made Birds Safer Over Texas, November 18, 2020
Great participation in Lights Out project
No Feeder? No Problem! You Can Join FeederWatch, October 29, 2020
Keep track of your winter birds and contribute to science
Study: Most Migratory Birds Rely On a Greening World, October 27, 2020
Continued climate change could spell disaster for many species
Join Online Events to Celebrate Bird Migration, September 15, 2020
Learn from Cornell Lab of Ornithology experts
Grants Awarded to Land Trusts for Bird Conservation, September 2, 2020
Funded work will protect birds on private lands
Join “Lights Out Texas” Now To Protect Migrating Birds, September 1, 2020
Get migration alerts for nights with the heaviest bird traffic
Scientists Issue Rebuke of New EPA Rule That Compromises U.S. Waters, August 13, 2020
Rule removes Clean Water Act protections
Study: Oriole Hybridization Is a Dead End, August 3, 2020
Scientists say Baltimore and Bullock’s Orioles are not merging
New U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule undermines mission to protect birds, July 16, 2020
New rule counteracts FWS’s mission and does not simplify the regulatory environment for businesses
Birdwatchers Set World Records On Global Big Day, May 15, 2020
Socially distanced, more people reported birds in a single day than ever before
World Migratory Bird Day is May 9, May 5, 2020
Here’s how you can celebrate and help birds right from home
Birds Are Coming Through: Time to Switch Off the Lights, April 16, 2020
Turn off non-essential lights to protect birds during spring migration
Join “Lights Out Texas” to Protect Migratory Birds, April 16, 2020
New study is testing light reduction strategies
Make Backyard Discoveries With the Free Merlin Bird ID App, April 9, 2020
Noticing more birds while you’re at home? Learn their names with Merlin
Every Bird Has a Story. Discover Them All With Birds of the World, April 7, 2020
Cornell Lab launches new online resource about every bird, for everybody
Study: Birds Exposed to PCBs as Nestlings Show Behavior Changes as Adults, March 26, 2020
Males sing fewer syllables and are more aggressive
Join New York’s Biggest Bird Survey, March 24, 2020
Help measure the health of bird populations and enjoy the outdoors
Spring Into Action For Birds: Join NestWatch, March 19, 2020
Citizen-science data needed more than ever in a changing world
Tip Sheet: Opposition to Weakening of Migratory Bird Treaty Act, March 18, 2020
Public comment from the Cornell Lab’s Dr. Amanda Rodewald
Counting is Caring: Join the Great Backyard Bird Count, January 30, 2020
Around the world, people are helping birds by counting them for science.
Study: Bird Bodies Predict Lifestyle, January 13, 2020
Wings, beaks, legs, and tails help define a species’ role in an ecosystem.