Alaska is home to more than 470 species of birds. Most are migratory birds for which the Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible under international treaties and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. While some of the birds stay in Alaska year-round, most migrate to Canada, Central America, South America, Asia, or the lower 48 United States. In fact, birds from Alaska pass through virtually every other state (even Hawaii) on the way to and from their nesting and wintering grounds! To help conserve migratory birds for future generations, we work with others to study, manage, and learn more about these amazing globetrotters and avian superheroes.
Latest News
For Parents and Educators
Savannah Stout's painting of snow geese took top honors at the 2025 Alaska Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
Wildlife Wonders
Trudging through thick boreal forests full of devil’s club and cranberry bushes with hundreds of mosquitoes buzzing around our heads was how my field partner Kela and I spent almost every day this summer. All as an effort to search for a unique hawk and their nests. Our team was tasked by Joint...
Migratory Species
Over the course of the 19 days, we banded 460 mallards, a handful of diving ducks and one northern pintail. A very rainy first week resulted in a plethora of new ducks to band; they don’t call it “fowl weather” for no reason!
Migratory Species
A new study reveals Alaska’s climate-sensitive YKD to support 7 million Arctic-breeding shorebirds—including the majority of six North American populations.
Migratory Species
Shorebirds are probably not the first group of birds that come to mind when thinking of ‘insectivorous birds’, but just like the more recognizable aerial insectivores—flycatchers, swallows, and swifts—many shorebirds also rely on insects to provide their basic energy needs, especially during their...
Science and Technology
Little was known about the migration patterns of the Red Phalarope until scientists attached satellite transmitters to this arctic-nesting shorebird and followed their journey south. This tracking is the first step in understanding why populations are declining and helps identify key stop-over...
What We Do
We work to conserve and manage migratory birds by:
- Monitoring population distribution and abundance
- Identifying important breeding, brood-rearing, staging, and wintering habitats
- Banding and marking birds to determine migration patterns, mortality, longevity and habitat use
- Determining effects of catastrophic events such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
- Working with Alaska Natives and the State of Alaska to co-manage the spring/summer subsistence harvest of migratory birds.
- Maintaining databases and providing these, as well as other technical assistance, to other agencies, land managers and private organizations.
- Helping administer conservation grant programs that distribute funds to the State of Alaska and Alaskan tribes from Congressional appropriations or excise taxes on hunting equipment
- Identifying and protecting important bird habitats through implementation of conservation plans
- Reviewing and issuing permits for activities involving migratory birds including scientific collecting and other educational uses
- Educating the public about migratory birds
Our Organization
The Migratory Bird Management program is comprised of several sections that specialize in different groups of birds.
We work closely with partners along different flyways and with our tribal partners to coordinate conservation and management efforts. We also participate in outreach and education programs and bird festivals to raise awareness about birds and the challenges they face.
Our Species
If it has feathers and wings, we likely count it, study it, and manage it!
Projects and Research
Our research and projects focus on efforts that will lead to conservation actions for migratory birds for the continuing benefit and enjoyment of the American public.
Our Library
Learn more about what we do through our project, stories, and publications library.
