Bird Conservation Initiative
Objective
Stabilize and increase declining (but still common) populations of select bird
species or suites of species and accelerate recovery of imperiled species.
Problem statement
One-third to one-half of North American bird species have declining
populations. Groups of concern include shorebirds, waterfowl, neotropical or
long-distance migrants, and game birds. Conservation actions and population
goals have been set for many, but not all, species.
Proposed strategies
The Foundation can make a significant impact on bird conservation by focusing on five key issues:
1) Demonstrating that implementation of actions within existing conservation strategies will have a positive
impact on bird populations;
2) Evaluating which species conservation plans are succeeding, and why;
3) Stimulating development of effective plans for those species for which no strategy is available, and
revising those that need improvement;
4) Building international capacity for conservation along migratory paths; and
5) Accelerating the recovery of imperiled species, particularly those designated threatened or endangered at
the state or federal level.
A subset of 10-15 declining or imperiled species or suites of species (e.g., cerulean warbler, Northern bobwhite)
will be targeted for focused investments. The goal for these species will be to achieve published population
conservation objectives. Individual strategic plans will be developed for each of these species.
Measuring outcomes
 Track population changes in species where on-the-ground
conservation actions are underway.
 Assess intermediary measures such as changes in quality and
quantity of habitat for target species.
 Identify key metrics for successful bird species conservation
plans.
 Complete conservation plans for all U.S. species.
 Increase the capacity for Western Hemisphere organizations to
address bird conservation issues including self-sufficiency, as
well as changes in the scale and scope of efforts.
 Compare the relative efficacy of targeting single species versus suites of multiple species, as well as the
efficacy of targeting declining (but still common) versus federally listed bird species.
Tactical considerations and risks
The Foundation is one of the leading funders of bird conservation and has a long and successful history in
supporting a variety of bird conservation activities (e.g., leadership in establishing Partners in Flight and North
American Waterfowl Management Plan). Previous efforts have not been as focused as necessary or of sufficient
duration or scale to reverse population declines. Recent pilot projects indicate that when the Foundation does
focus financial resources for an appropriate time, bird populations can increase.
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Focusing on declining but still common species may be less expensive and may be more successful from a
conservation standpoint than waiting for further declines and formal listing. Opportunity for comparison and
cost-benefit analysis with the Imperiled Species initiative.
Conservation activities must be designed with global climate change in mind.
Capacity of international organizations must be considered and enhanced.
Stakeholder considerations
 U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USAID are past/potential federal
partners.
 Strong interest from state governments, particularly through Wildlife
Action Plans.
 Potential for collaboration with Joint Ventures, including matching
private funding and helping them move beyond their traditional
waterfowl focus.
 Unknown commitment from international partners.
 Strong corporate partners (e.g., Shell, ConocoPhillips, and Wild Birds
Unlimited).
 Foundation’s proven track record will enhance chances for success.
Current programs and grants aligned with this initiative*
 ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation ($500,000/yr)
 Shell Marine Habitat Program ($1,000,000/yr)
 Southern Company Power of Flight ($350,000/yr)
 Southern Company Longleaf Legacy ($600,000/yr)
 General federal and non-federal commitments
*The program funding amounts listed above are subject to change on a yearly
basis.
What is not included under this initiative
 Species with healthy, increasing populations are not included in this initiative.
 Development of Important Bird Areas and random implementation projects.
 Control of avian flu and West Nile virus.
 Projects that promote birding, hunting, or public outreach campaigns without a direct connection to the
objectives of this initiative.
Conservation is our Business
The Foundation enhances the impact of federal funds by attracting new funding for conservation and by building
partnerships with corporations, private foundations, states, and other organizations. Since the Foundation does not
litigate or support advocacy, we are well positioned to develop the lasting partnerships that achieve on-the-ground
and in-the-water conservation benefits.