Bird City: Science Backed Actions Help Birds Thrive and Communities Shine

by Chloe Crumley, Engagement Manager

When we talk about taking meaningful action to “bend the bird curve” and help bird populations rebound, we can look to Bird Cities as guiding lights—showcasing how science-based conservation can protect birds today and for generations to come. 

Launched in 2018 by Audubon Texas and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Bird City Texas program is a community-focused certification initiative designed to help people safeguard birds and their habitats where they live, work, and recreate. The certification criteria—developed by biologists, conservationists, and avian scientists—are intentionally crafted to be both impactful and efficient in addressing habitat loss and other threats to birds. 

To date, fifteen communities across Texas—representing more than six million residents—have joined the Bird City program, collectively completing over 260 actions focused on conservation, education, and threat reduction. Located in Audubon’s priority geographies, these communities have restored more than 3,000 acres of bird habitat by removing invasive species, planting thousands of native trees and plants, and revitalizing wetlands. 

Here are just a few examples of how Bird Cities are engaging residents and advancing bird conservation: 

• Cedar Hill constructed a new public library featuring 70% bird-friendly glass and planted nearly 14,000 native plants and trees, creating a thriving ecosystem to support local and migratory birds. 
• In Port Aransas, a newly developed apartment complex reached out to city officials after learning about the Bird City designation. As a result, the building now features dark sky-friendly lighting and a policy requiring cats to remain indoors. 
• Kerrville partnered with local organizations to host a workshop for landscapers and commercial lawn services, promoting the use of native plants and educating participants about avoiding tree trimming during bird nesting season. 
• Galveston, now recognized as a High Flyer Bird City, organizes a “Big Day” event each summer. This initiative serves not only as community outreach but also as a citizen science effort, collecting valuable bird data on eBird during a less commonly surveyed season to better understand which species are present. 

More than 80% of Texans live in urban areas, and as Texas’s population continues to grow and urban areas expand, it is increasingly critical for cities and campuses (more to come on this) to pursue Bird City certification in order to meet the needs of birds and preserve vital habitats. 

Curious to see if your community has what it takes to become a Bird City? Reach out to Audubon Texas. It only takes a few dedicated individuals to start the conversation and engage local officials. Many certified Bird Cities began with the passion and persistence of everyday citizens who helped their cities recognize the value of protecting birds and the environments we share.