The Flyways

Central Flyway

1 Central Flyway map
Priority Project

Central Flyway Migration Corridor

Many of North America’s migratory birds rely on the Central Flyway’s diverse marsh and wetland habitats for their spring and fal
Randal_Ford_Central Flyway

An Expanse of Mountains, Rivers, Plains, and Shores

Spanning the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, arid Southwest, and western Gulf Coast

The Central Flyway comprises more than half the landmass of the continental United States, before extending into Central and South America. Audubon works to protect threatened ecosystems, such as riparian habitat in the Colorado River basin and vast sagebrush habitats, on behalf of such iconic bird species as the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and the Greater Sage-Grouse.

Recently Audubon Dakota identified 67 new IBAs in North and South Dakota. Audubon Rockies has been influential in protecting more than 15 million acres of sagebrush habitat in Wyoming; Audubon Arizona rebuilt habitat for owls, hummingbirds, and cuckoos; and Audubon Texas successfully saved a number of critical barrier-island bird roosting sites from an oil spill in Galveston Bay.

Central Flyway In the News

Western Water News

Wet Winter Brings Arizona’s Salt River to Life

A river flows through the heart of the Phoenix Valley.
Western Water News

Federal Decision on Colorado River Management in the Third Decade of Climate Change-Driven Drought

As decision-makers consider how to reduce water use, they should consider all impacted resources.
A wilson's phalarope on water.
Western Water News

Utah’s Wet Winter Gives Some Reprieve to Great Salt Lake

But long-term water conservation solutions and secure water are still needed.

Conservation Projects in the Central Flyway

Saving Important Bird Areas

Central Flyway Migration Corridor

Protecting the Central Flyway’s diverse marsh and wetland habitats for migrating species
Working Lands

Sagebrush Ecosystem

Balancing prairie-bird protection with our nation’s need for energy
Yellow_Headed_Blackbird_Michael_Forsberg
Working Lands

Grassland Birds

Developing market-based management of dwindling prairie habitat that benefits birds and ranchers alike
Water

Western Rivers

Audubon is working to identify, protect, and restore priority riparian Important Bird Areas throughout the Southwest
Water

Western Water

Audubon is working to identify, protect, and restore priority habitats in the Colorado River basin and around intermountain saline lakes
Water

Saline Lakes

Saline lakes and their associated wetlands throughout Intermountain West create a network of critical habitat that millions of birds depend on for breeding, resting and feeding during migration, and wintering.