The city offers an excellent opportunity to inaugurate the program in an area known for its native birds and its importance as a waystation for birds migrating to and from the Caribbean, Central and South America. With 517 refuges scattered throughout all 50 states, many of which are near urban areas, the Service is in an ideal position to work with urban communities and their residents on bird conservation initiatives. Cities that sign an Urban Treaty for Bird Conservation with the Service may be eligible for matching grants, technical and educational assistance and other support. The Service will also work with the city to find other conservation partners for Urban Treaty initiatives. The Service views this program as a partnership based on the specific needs of each treaty city.
Urban birds are among the nation's most vulnerable bird groups.
According to the most recent breeding bird survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Service, only 31 percent of urban bird species are estimated to have increasing populations. Their generally declining populations probably reflect the cumulative effects of habitat loss, deaths from improper pesticide application, and predation from domestic house cats. On the other side of the spectrum, some bird species that adapt well to artificial urban environments are causing problems with their overabundance. For example, many urban parks and golf courses are overrun with resident Canada geese, while enormous populations of starlings and pigeons breed disease, destroy habitat and crowd out native species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.