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The list of Birds of Conservation Concern in New York presented here is based on assessments conducted by several different organizations and initiatives at a range scales. The Audubon WatchList identifies bird species of any taxon that are of continental conservation concern based on vulnerability characteristics of their populations at global and continental scales. The Partners in Flight species assessment process is very similar, but pertains only to landbirds and also identifies species of regional concern, as well as species that are stewardship responsibilities at continental and regional levels. Similarly, shorebirds and waterbirds of concern at the regional scale are identified in the Northern Atlantic Regional Shorebird Plan and the Waterbird Conservation Plan for the Mid-Atlantic/New England/Maritimes Region: 2006-2010, respectively. Finally, this list includes species identified by the NYS DEC as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in New York State (which also includes all New York species listed as endangered or threatened at the federal level).

When put together, the species identified by these various groups compose a comprehensive list of species of conservation concern that is informed by a global perspective to ensure that conservation actions here in New York contribute to regional and continental goals, as well as a state-centric perspective to help maintain the full range of avian diversity here in New York.

Because species populations change over time, as do their distributions and threats to them and their habitats during breeding and non-breeding seasons, this is a dynamic list. The highest priority and most threatened species do not change often, but species at the cusp of inclusion may appear on or drop off these lists as their situations change.

The species on this list are the focus of Audubon New York’s conservation, advocacy, and education efforts, with a goal of protecting and/or restoring their populations to healthy and viable levels.