Populations Branch

The Branch of Populations within the Division of Migratory Birds is responsible for a wide variety of bird population issues. Our staff relies extensively on partnerships with States, Provinces, Canadian and other U.S. federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other groups and individuals to expand bird conservation.

Photo of biologists walking through a field, attempting to flush birds - Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Photo by Michael Runge

Click here for Populations Branch contact information.

We work closely with these partners to monitor bird populations in the northeast to ensure that declines and threats are discovered early in order to implement necessary management actions that address any issues.

Photo of three staff members entering data into a computer - Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Photo by Lamar Gore

Many of our partners provide information of bird populations through monitoring and other surveying efforts which is used to prioritize species and habitats, and to identify species management actions. As funding levels allow, we also provide funding to initiate or continue various monitoring programs.

The Populations Branch also plays a key role in various regulatory actions including working closely with States and other partners as we develop regulations necessary for the hunting of game species in the U.S. We also work closely with the Branch of Permits to provide the biological review of various permits such as those for the take of certain species for research and other uses.

Visit the Division of Migratory Bird Management – Washington office Web site.