Illinois birds in crisis: Report shows major decline in local species
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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.
What's next: Scientists are calling for bigger investments in habitat protection, particularly on private lands and in partnership with local communities and Indigenous nations.