Birds play an important role by controlling insect populations and other pests, pollinating flowers and bringing nature into our lives. Their survival and well-being serve as an indicator for the overall health of our environment.

Nearly 300 bird species can be found in Chicago—seasonally or year-round. Our natural areas provide excellent habitat for species that breed here and our green spaces and back yards make an attractive stopover point for the approximately 8 million birds that migrate through each autumn and spring.

With our unique geography and diversity of birds comes a responsibility to protect these species. The City of Chicago has made it a priority to create and maintain habitat for birds, reduce hazards to birds, such as collisions with buildings, and manage nuisance species. To read more about what Chicago is doing to be a bird-friendly city and what you can do, follow the links below:

• A Bird’s Eye View of the Migratory Bird Route
• Chicago’s Bird Agenda 2006 (PDF)
• Chicago Region Birding Trail Guide (PDF)
• Lights Out Chicago
• Bird Habitat Guidelines (PDF)