For the first time ever, scientists have looked at all 1,154 birds native to North America to see just how much trouble they're in — and the results aren't very reassuring.
The new report, compiled by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative, examined each bird's population size, range, and the threats it faces. It pulled all of these factors into a total score.
Overall, the group concluded that 37% of North (and Central) American birds are in need of "urgent conservation action."
Ocean and tropical forest birds are particularly at risk.
Scroll through to see a small sampling of what we might lose — the scientists gave all of these species a ranking of high conservation concern, which means if we don't act soon, their populations could dwindle to nothing.
Yellow-headed parrot
The yellow-headed parrot lives in Mexico and northern Central America, where it has a reputation for munching on corn growing in fields. They're particularly in trouble because of people capturing them to sell as pets.
Pink-headed warbler
Found in western Guatemala, the pink-headed warbler likes to live in high-altitude forests, but a large volcanic eruption in 1982 destroyed many of its favorite spots.
California condor
The California condor is one of the biggest success stories in species recovery. Only 22 of these vultures remained in the 1980s; a careful captive breeding program means there are now 235 birds living in the wild. But they still die from eating animals killed with lead bullets and from flying into electrical wires.
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