48 and 55 – The percent of grassland birds that are of conservation concern and percent showing significant declines.

2 – Percent of the tallgrass prairie that still remains in North America

4 – Number of grassland bird populations that are federally endangered

8 - Number of sparrow species out of 12 that are listed as of conservation concern

38-77 – Percent of Eastern and Western meadowlarks, Bobolinks, Shorteared Owls, and Northern Bobwhites that have declined since 1968

6 – Number of species that breed in the Great Plains of the United States and Canada and that winter in Mexico’s Chihuahuan grasslands that are showing steep declines of 68–91%

Data: State of the Birds 2009

Photo by South Dakota Tourism

71 Hawaiian bird species have become extinct since the arrival of humans.

An additional 10 birds are feared extinct as they have not been observed for over 40 years.

Prior to human inhabitants, Hawaii was home to 113 unique bird species such as flightless geese, ibis, rails, and 59 species of Hawaiian honeycreepers.

43% of 157 sea and land species are not native to the islands, while 69% of the landbirds have been brought over from all parts of the world.

“The Palila, found only on the Big Island, has declined from 6,600 birds in 2003 to 2,200 in 2008.”

“Since 1979, approximately 30,000 Newell’s Shearwaters, a threatened species, have collided with utility lines and structures or have been grounded after becoming confused by bright lights.”

“Nearly all native Hawaiian forest birds are declining, their populations devastated by nonnative disease-carrying mosquitoes, predators, feral cattle and pigs, and loss of habitat.”

Data: FWS, State of the Birds 2009

39% of aridland birds are species of conservation concern, including 10 federally listed as endangered or threatened. These species are especially vulnerable because of their small ranges or restricted habitat requirements, or both.

60% of all aridland species and 76% of aridland obligate species have declined.

More than 50% of aridland birds are permanent residents of the U.S. borderlands.

174 condors are flying free, and the number is expected to grow each year.

Data: FWS