Surveys & Data

The Migratory Bird Program develops and implements a variety of activities designed to inform bird conservation policies and initiatives. These activities are numerous and varied, and are undertaken by a wide variety of organizations through partnerships.

We conduct a number of surveys in partnership with other groups within the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Canadian Wildlife Service, State and Provincial wildlife management agencies, as well as other U.S. federal government organizations, and the four migratory bird flyways.

In this section, you can learn more about cooperative population surveys and monitoring programs for migratory birds in North America, including objectives, goals, scope and organizational responsibilities.  Data obtained from these surveys and programs are used to produce reports and publications, guidance documents, management and conservation plans, and hunting regulations - all of which are necessary to conserve and manage migratory birds.

Ever wonder how biologists generate the number of all migratory birds harvested throughout the country or what type of data is used to make sound decisions concerning hunting seasons, bag limits, and population management? Check out Harvest Surveys to find out. Follow the links to find out about our bird banding program and how we use the information you report from a bird band. You can also find out how to report a bird band.

Within this section you can also learn more about the Webless Migratory Game Bird Program, which provides much-needed funding for webless species (doves, pigeons, woodcock, sandhill cranes and marsh birds) research and management related projects.