Illinois birds in crisis: Report shows major decline in local species
Birds that call Illinois grasslands and wetlands home are in serious decline, according to a new conservation report.
Why it matters: Birds are indicators of the overall health of their habitats and signal early warnings of broader trouble. If these habitats can't support birdlife, they likely can't sustain other wildlife — or even humans — for long.
By the numbers: In the past 50 years, Illinois species like the Henslow's Sparrow and Bobolink have seen population crashes of over 40%, per the North American Bird Conservation Initiative's 2025 State of the Birds report.
The other side: The Northern Cardinal — a signature species in Illinois — has not experienced major declines in population. On the rise in the Chicago area is the Canadian Goose.
Between the lines: A blow to birds is a blow to the economy. From birding tourism to pest control and pollination, birds generate nearly $280 billion annually for the U.S. economy, the report found.
What they're saying: "It's a reality check for us, every time we do one of these," Mike Brasher, the co-chair of the report's science committee, told Audubon magazine.
"Threats to birds (and) bird habitat are as great now as they have ever been, and they're accelerating, in most cases," Brasher said.
Zoom in: Chicago is home to the Mississippi Flyway, one of the major North American migratory routes. Millions of birds pass through the city, making bird-building collisions a problem.
But bird collisions at McCormick Place have dropped significantly since the city installed better lighting.
The big picture: It's not just Illinois. Researchers tracked species nationwide and found declines almost everywhere, even among birds that were once thought resilient, including urban birds like the White-throated Sparrow.
Roughly one-third of U.S. bird species — 229 in total — are now classified as high or moderate conservation concerns.
Since 1970, nearly half of aridland birds and 43% of grassland birds across the U.S., including the Eastern Meadowlark in Illinois, have disappeared.
Yes, but: There are signs of hope. Thanks to wetland protections, dabbling and diving duck populations have jumped 24% since 1970, while waterbirds are up 16%, per the report.
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