About
eBird Status and Trends is a data science platform developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that transforms millions of community-contributed bird sightings from eBird into powerful, high-resolution visualizations and analytical tools. By combining raw eBird observational data with high-resolution satellite imagery from NASA, NOAA, and USGS, the platform applies cutting-edge statistical models and machine learning to predict bird population trends, seasonal abundance patterns, and species range boundaries at a weekly temporal resolution throughout the year. Key offerings include interactive Trends Maps that reveal where bird species are increasing or decreasing within 27×27 km grid cells since 2012, providing the most granular picture of population dynamics available. Animated weekly abundance maps illustrate migratory journeys and seasonal presence, helping researchers and conservationists understand migration ecology. Improved range maps offer precise distributional data showing how far north, south, east, or west a species is expected to occur. Regional summary statistics—available at the state or province level—enable targeted conservation planning by quantifying relative abundance, seasonal modeled population share, and cumulative trends. Data products, including species range estimates, abundance grids, and environmental associations, are made publicly available and can be downloaded via an R package after an access request. The platform serves decision-makers, conservation scientists, land managers, and birding enthusiasts alike, offering the best available science to understand and reverse bird population declines.
Key Features
- Bird Abundance Trend Maps: Visualize where bird species are increasing or decreasing within 27×27 km grid cells since 2012, providing the most detailed picture of local population dynamics available.
- Weekly Animated Abundance Maps: Mesmerizing weekly animations reveal migratory journeys, seasonal presence, and peak abundance windows for hundreds of species throughout the year.
- Improved Range Maps: Analytically derived range maps based on eBird sightings give precise information on species distribution, showing exact geographic limits of expected occurrence.
- Regional Summary Statistics: State and province-level summaries of relative abundance, percent of seasonal modeled population, and cumulative trends to aid conservation planning and resource management.
- Downloadable Data Products: Access species range estimates, abundance grids, and environmental associations via an R package for use in independent research and conservation modeling.
Use Cases
- Conservation biologists identifying where target bird species are declining to prioritize habitat protection and restoration efforts.
- Land managers and government agencies using regional abundance statistics to guide migratory bird management and seasonal land-use decisions.
- Academic researchers studying migration ecology and species distribution modeling using downloadable eBird data products and R packages.
- Birdwatchers and naturalists using weekly abundance animations and range maps to plan birding trips and discover peak viewing times for target species.
- Environmental NGOs leveraging trend maps and population summaries to build evidence-based cases for conservation funding and policy advocacy.
Pros
- Scientifically Rigorous: Models integrate eBird citizen science data with NASA, NOAA, and USGS satellite imagery, producing peer-reviewed, high-resolution outputs trusted by researchers and conservation agencies.
- Completely Free to Use: All visualizations, maps, and animations are freely accessible on the web, with data products available via a no-cost access request, making advanced ornithological data widely democratized.
- Broad Species Coverage: The platform covers hundreds of bird species across the Western Hemisphere, with annual updates ensuring the data reflects the most current population trends.
- Supports Conservation Decision-Making: Regional summary statistics and trend maps directly support land managers, NGOs, and government agencies in prioritizing conservation actions and monitoring recovery efforts.
Cons
- Data Product Lag: Downloadable data products are released six months after website visualizations are updated, creating a temporal mismatch that may limit use in time-sensitive research.
- Coverage Biased Toward Populated Areas: As a citizen science platform, eBird data density is higher in populated regions, which can affect model accuracy in remote or under-surveyed areas.
- Requires Technical Skills for Data Downloads: Accessing full data products requires familiarity with R and submission of an access request form, which may be a barrier for non-technical users.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eBird Status and Trends?
eBird Status and Trends is a scientific platform from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that uses machine learning and satellite data to model and visualize bird species abundance, population trends, and range boundaries, updated annually using millions of eBird observations.
Is eBird Status and Trends free to use?
Yes, all visualizations, maps, and animations on the website are freely accessible. Downloadable data products are also free but require submitting an access request form.
How do I download the eBird Status and Trends data products?
Data products can be requested through the access request form on the website. Once approved, data can be downloaded using an R package developed by the eBird Science team.
How often is the data updated?
Visualizations and maps on the website are updated annually. Downloadable data products are released approximately six months after the website visualizations are refreshed.
What data sources power the models?
The models combine raw eBird citizen science observations with high-resolution satellite imagery from NASA, NOAA, and USGS, processed through state-of-the-art statistical and machine learning models.
