United by Birds

Our 2026-2030 strategic plan for thriving birds and healthy habitats

A flock of Snow Geese in flight. — ©Snow GeesePhoto: Finn Grathwol

Our Vision

This strategic plan is our roadmap for protecting the birds we love by engaging people through science. Together, with volunteers, donors and collaborators across the country, we are working toward a future where all bird species thrive in healthy, diverse habitats.

President & CEO

Patrick Nadeau

“Where some see problems, we see possibilities. The rebound of waterfowl and birds of prey in the last decades are living proof that when we come together to take action, it is possible to turn the tide for birds. That’s why we’re focused on smart, feasible solutions to conserve birds and their habitats which we can deliver due to the unique scale and rigour of our knowledge, data, and expertise on bird populations.”

How We Know When Birds are Thriving

The Thriving Bird Indicator is our primary measure of how bird populations in Canada are doing overall. Our vision to ensure that all bird species in Canada are thriving in healthy and diverse habitats will be achieved when it reaches 100%.

44% of Birds are thriving in Canada as of 2026

Species are within their population goal range and have stable or increasing trends

Measuring this Indicator

At Birds Canada, we know that together, our focused efforts will ensure birds are thriving.

How we can turn the tide for birds

Our work focuses on three distinct pillars – Uncover, Unite and Act. These are at the foundation of how we deliver our vision of thriving birds in healthy and diverse habitats.

Uncover: Delivering Strong Science

Science is what tells us where to focus our conservation efforts so we can protect the birds we love. To do this, we collect, share and analyze data with communities and partners to understand how bird populations are faring and inform conservation efforts for birds.

Our Approach to Science See in Action: Tree Swallow Monitoring and Insect Decline

Two staff deploying recorders with a rancher in Saskatchewan — Photo: LeeAnn Latremouille

Unite: Canada’s Voice for Birds

Bringing together people who are passionate about birds and the natural world makes our voice for birds louder and strengthens our work. Together, shaped by many cultures, identities, and geographies, we form a community built around a shared love of birds and an appreciation for the science needed to protect them.

Advocating for Birds See in Action: 2026 Avian Ambassador

Act: Recovering Species of Highest Concern

Apply our knowledge to tangible conservation efforts across Canada and beyond that support species of the highest concern and culturally significant species by reducing or eliminating threats.

Recovering Species of Highest Concern See in Action: Livestock Producers are Allies for Grassland Birds

A Cerulean Warbler perched in a tree. — ©Cerulean WarblerPhoto: Trisha Snider

Act: Protecting Important Places for Birds

Apply our knowledge to tangible conservation efforts across Canada and beyond. Champion and conserve important places for birds and biodiversity, ensuring their effective integration into broader landscape and seascape conservation.

Protecting Important Places for Birds See in Action: The Orchard Oriole's Northward Journey

A grassland scene with water in the distance. — ©GrasslandsPhoto: Julia Marshall

Protecting the birds we love

The need for action has never been greater. Across Canada, birds are facing unprecedented challenges.

Climate change and habitat loss have contributed to the disappearance of more than three billion birds in North America since 1970.

The 2024 State of Canada’s Birds Report which Birds Canada co-authors reveals the alarming scale of these declines and underscores the urgent call to protect them.

State of Canada's Birds