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
History of Lake Hood and the hanger that shaped USFWS aviation operations in the region.
Migratory Species
On Feb.8, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management Alaska and the government of Saga City, Japan formalized a sister site relationship between Qupałuk (KU-pah-luck), Alaska and Higashiyoka-higata, Japan. This relationship strives for continued collaboration, research, and capacity building between these...
Migratory Species
The Los Angeles Snowy Owl is one of many individuals over the last decade to wander far from its Arctic breeding grounds. Snowy Owls are known as nomadic, irruptive migrants that sometimes migrate in large numbers outside their typical winter range. "Snowy Owls are so nomadic it led to experts...
Wildlife Wonders
The handcrafted wooden raft — recently outfitted with a brand-new camouflage canopy and livestream video camera — quietly drifts around its anchor on Connors Lake in Anchorage, Alaska.
Migratory Species
The Center for Disease Control believes that the public health risk from HPAI in North America is low. Alaska hunters should still exercise caution while hunting and eating migratory birds by following steps to reduce infection risk. Learn how to report observations/concerns in Alaska.
Wildlife Wonders
Birds are most vulnerable to human impacts during the breeding and nesting season. You might not realize it, but a lot of everyday/backyard activities could affect birds. Learn how to minimize your impact.
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.
Location and Contact Information
Printing