Bird Population Studies

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We investigate the historical factors and current conditions influencing variation in the survival, reproduction, and behavior of birds. We analyze long-term data from focal studies and citizen-science data to understand changes in bird populations in response to factors such as weather, predation, competition, and disease, as well as human activities such as pollution and urbanization. To do this, we explore ways to push the boundaries of public participation in ornithology to gather data across wide geographic scales; we lead multidisciplinary, collaborative studies; and we develop new techniques to analyze millions of data records on birds and the environment.

Project Highlights

Bird Distribution and Abundance

By analyzing long-term data from citizen-science projects and other sources, we identify how environmental factors influence birds’ habitat preferences, species ranges, and abundance.

Birds and Climate Change


Data Analysis Toolkits and the Avian Knowledge Network

Using new techniques to analyze millions of data records, we study how bird distribution and abundance change through time and geographical space. We start by identifying large-scale patterns. This seemingly basic task is challenging because bird observations are unevenly distributed across the continent and are influenced by observers’ ability to detect birds. In collaboration with statistical and computer scientists, our researchers are developing novel methods to analyze data collected by both ornithologists and citizen-science participants around the world. The Cornell Lab is leading an initiative to digitally archive tens of millions of data records through the Avian Knowledge Network and to make these data more widely available. This will enable scientists to create a clearer picture of where bird species live and how their distributions change.

Species Coexistence



We investigate the factors that drive the spread and impact of disease, using citizen-science data to track continentwide changes in bird populations, combined with studies of behavior, genetics, and avian immune responses.

House Finch Eye Disease


West Nile Virus


Human Impacts

Through intensive focal studies and analysis of citizen-science data, we investigate how natural and human-induced environmental variation, such as habitat availability, toxins, and disease, affect the abundance of birds.

Birds and Habitat Fragmentation


Effects of PCBs on Bird Song


Effects of Acid Rain and Mercury on Birds


Birds and Climate Change


Variation in the Lives of Birds

We investigate the dramatic variation in life-history strategies enabling birds to survive and reproduce from place to place and from year to year. Using long-term data from multiple locations, we seek to better understand the factors that generate these and other geographic patterns.

Evolution of Variation in Life Histories of Birds


Cooperative Breeding: Acorn Woodpeckers


Population Synchrony: Acorn Production by California Oaks


Human Dimensions

To help engage larger, more diverse audiences in bird-related recreation and citizen-science efforts, we study human demographics, motivations, and behaviors that can inform our decisions about how to develop and communicate new opportunities.

Environmental Recreation and Public Participation in Science

Nature recreation benefits people's physical and mental health and connects people with the environment. Millions of Americans are interested in wild birds: they compile lists, travel long distances to see particular species, watch birds at feeders, monitor nests, and photograph birds. We use questionnaires to examine the relationships between demographic patterns and individual motivations, preferences, and skills in these hobbies. This information will help the Cornell Lab better serve the community of bird enthusiasts and help involve under-represented groups. For example, we are investigating gender patterns related to a range of competitive and non-competitive bird hobbies in the United States and United Kingdom.

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