Background

The following sections provide background for The Guide to Urban Bird Conservation and include a succinct overview of the birds currently found in the metro area, from the more common back yard species to those of conservation concern. Changes in the species composition of birds found throughout the metro area have been primarily driven by changes in habitat quality and availability. Therefore, an overview of habitat changes within the metro area over the past 200 years is also provided.

Following the summary of species composition and habitat changes, we highlight the existing areas currently managed for natural resources by federal, state and local agencies as well as private organizations throughout the metro area.