The greatest global threat to birds is habitat loss and degradation. New York City, the most densely populated major city in the United States, is nevertheless traced by a vast network of viable bird habitat: 30,000 acres of forests, grasslands, wetlands, and islands, and 578 miles of waterfront. Over 350 species of birds—almost a third of all the species in North America—depend on this habitat during the year. Millions stop here during migration as they travel along the Atlantic Flyway, one of the world’s great bird migration routes. Many species nest here, while others journey here from the far north to find refuge in the wintertime. 

 

Both large and small green spaces in the City may provide critical migratory stopover, nesting, and wintering habitat. And such spaces have many additional benefits. They provide opportunities for connection to birds and nature often lacking in underserved communities. Green spaces, including green roofs, also reduce energy consumption and fossil fuel use by mitigating the “heat island effect” in our metropolis. Coastal habitats protect low-lying communities from flooding and storm surges—protection that is ever more urgent in our warming world. (All of our bird species and their habitats are being impacted by ongoing global climate change, in ways that scientists are still working to understand. Read about National Audubon’s research on the impact of climate change on birds.)

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In 1978, a cadre of regular Central Park bird watchers successfully opposed a Central Park Conservancy plan to “restore” the Ramble through changes such as tree removal. These fledgling bird-habitat activists soon founded the NYC Bird Alliance Society—and launched 40 years of dedicated habitat preservation. Through the years, we have often achieved victory through collaboration with partner organizations exclusively dedicated to habitat protection. Our “Buffer the Bay” program, worked with the Trust for Public Land and the American Littoral Society to preserve priority lands around Jamaica Bay. Other successes have included the conservation of the grasslands of Brooklyn’s Floyd Bennett Field, the Harbor Heron Islands, Goethal’s Bridge Pond on Staten Island, and Ridgewood Reservoir on the Brooklyn-Queens border. Read more about the history of NYC Bird Alliance’s habitat conservation work (PDF).

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Many assume that natural areas are “best left alone” and do not require active management. But our city’s habitats, having been transformed over hundreds of years, often require human intervention to be productive for wildlife. All areas have been impacted by development—and some are now entirely different habitats than they once were. Much of our original bird-friendly native flora has been replaced by introduced plant species. Keystone animal or plant species, which once played critical roles in sustaining a habitat, may be entirely missing.

Bird-friendly management practices are needed to make these natural areas richer and safer for birds and other wildlife. Native landscaping, proven to increase bird diversity and abundance, is key for any bird-friendly habitat. (Learn more about why native plants are important for birds, and about planting for birds in New York City.) Carefully employed policies such as mowing schedule or water-level maintenance make habitats more productive as nesting and foraging areas. Improved stormwater management is critical to the City’s wetland habitats. (Read about stormwater and water quality issues facing NYC.) And regulations protecting nesting areas of vulnerable ground-nesting birds from both people and domestic animals must be enforced. (Learn more about the danger that free-roaming and feral cats pose for birds.) 

Our urban green spaces are a very scarce resource—and pro-wildlife policies can conflict with other priorities of both park managers and the public. NYC Bird Alliance advocates for the allocation of city, state, and federal funds for the conservation, restoration, and maintenance of New York City’s natural spaces, as well as for the funding of natural resource agencies and their staff, at all levels. It is important that stakeholders hear from constituents who support bird-friendly policies and program funding—and that the public is offered opportunities to learn about the value of the wild habitats in their communities. Learn more about how you can help advocate for bird-friendly legislation and policies that affects issues such as land use choices in New York City. 

NYC Bird Alliance identifies vulnerable bird habitats in the five boroughs and works to protect them. Every habitat type in the City requires a specific set of policies and maintenance regimens to best support migrating or breeding bird populations and other wildlife. Read about each main habitat type below. We also create and conduct research on green roofs and other green infrastructure—manmade habitats that both help maintain our harbor’s water quality and provide novel and much needed habitat for birds in dense urban settings.