World Migratory Bird Day 2025 focuses on the many ways that we can help birds where we live.
More than half of the world’s population currently lives in cities, a figure projected to double in the next 25 years. As communities expand, migratory birds face growing challenges. Native habitats shrink, noise and light pollution escalate, and domestic pets disturb and prey on a variety of species. We can all take steps to protect migratory birds that visit our communities—whether they are nesting, overwintering, or stopping to rest and refuel along their incredible journeys. This year, World Migratory Bird Day highlights seven simple actions you can take to create bird-friendly spaces where we live.
1. Plant native: The plants native to your community provide the food and shelter birds need. Remove invasive plants that can take over.
2. Dim the lights at night: The glow from our communities and homes may disrupt their cycle of rest, alter their migration, and impact breeding.
3. Make windows visible: Birds don’t recognize plane glass and may collide with windows.
4. Protect insects: 95% of birds depend on insects at some time during their life cycle. Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals that contribute to the declining numbers of butterflies, dragonflies, and other insects.
5. Restrain your pets: We love our pets, but free roaming cats and dogs can disturb and even kill birds. Provide a catio, leash your pets, and provide them with entertainment indoors.
6. Be the solution to plastic pollution: Say “no” to plastics by reusing shopping bags, avoiding single-use plastic bottles and utensils, and purchasing non-plastic toys and decorations.
7. Purchase sustainable foods: Shade-grown coffee and chocolate protect tropical agroforests that include native tree diversity, tree canopy, and reduced pollution that supports migratory birds where they winter. You may consider other actions that are particular to the protection of birds in your community.