The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is one of the most effective conservation laws ever enacted to prevent wildlife extinctions. Over 100 bird species currently depend on federal protections under the ESA, with dozens more awaiting listing decisions. The law's success is clear: 99% of species that have been listed have been saved from extinction, and iconic birds such as the Bald Eagle, ʻIo (Hawaiian Hawk), and Brown Pelican have recovered so well that they were removed from the ESA entirely.
As revealed in the 2025 State of the Birds report, many of our bird populations are in decline. Without strong protections, some of today's threatened species may face extinction.
However, the ESA remains a legislative target in Congress. A recent set of proposed rules threatens to severely weaken how the Act is implemented, while ongoing legislation in Congress would dismantle key provisions that species rely on for survival.
Endangered birds like the Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill) in Hawai'i; Threatened birds like the Florida Scrub-Jay and Hawai'i's 'I'iwi; and species that may need future ESA protections, like the Golden Eagle, could all be significantly impacted by these changes.
Lawmakers need to hear from you that the Endangered Species Act is still strong, effective, and bipartisan – and that constituents like you care.
Take Action Now: Urge your Members of Congress to reject all attacks on the ESA.
Dear [elected official],
As someone concerned with the protection of birds across the United States, and who believes in the power and importance of the Endangered Species Act as a tool to boost recovery and prevent extinction, I urge you to reject all legislative attacks on the ESA and keep it the strong, widely supported law that has prevented extinctions since 1973.
The 2025 State of the Birds Report — a national status assessment of bird population health produced through a collaboration of 19 bird conservation organizations as well as federal and state agencies — made it clear that bird populations are in decline across the United States. The Florida Scrub-Jay and Black Rail are identified as "Red-Alert Tipping Point" species, meaning that in addition to being listed as Threatened under the ESA, recent population assessments show that they are "birds with perilously low populations and steeply declining trends."
The Report also documents long-term population losses for species such as the Whooping Crane and Marbled Murrelet, underscoring a demonstrated need for continued, if not increased, conservation efforts. Furthermore, 25 of Hawai'i's 53 native bird species are listed under the ESA, and 16 more are designated as species of conservation concern. These birds face threats ranging from disease and habitat loss to shifting climates. Without ESA protections, we could see a massive decrease in Hawai'i's incredible bird diversity.
I am concerned about ongoing legislative attempts to remove listing status for specific species, prevent federal agencies from using their authorities to protect listed species, and prematurely de-list species that are most in need.
The best available science, including the 2025 State of the Birds Report, is clear: now is not the time to weaken ESA protections. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[your name]
