Golden-winged Warbler Conservation

Learn about our work to conserve Golden-winged Warblers.

Photo: Ed Buress

Golden-winged Warbler populations are on the decline in the United States. One way that Audubon North Carolina is impacting that decline is through mitigating and reversing habitat loss.

Considered a forest bird, the Golden-winged Warbler needs at least 70 percent of the surrounding landscape to be forested. Having access to ample shrubland is also critical for nest site locations.

The need to restore shrubland, or the earliest stage of forest growth, is becoming more important as land use changes for the Golden-winged Warbler breeding grounds in North Carolina. Biologists are working with farmers, forest managers and private landowners to steward sustainable practices that support suitable habitat. By connecting private and public forest managers with technical and financial resources, we are curtailing the population decline of this species.

Habitat loss also impacts the Golden-winged Warbler’s wintering grounds. Audubon NC is collaborating with our partners to further understand the full life cycle biology of this warbler, including conducting field research in Nicaragua.

Golden-winged Warbler
Priority Birds

Golden-winged Warbler

The rapid decline of the Golden-winged Warbler since the 1980s cannot be explained solely by habitat loss, and that mystery has attracted many scientists to study this beautiful warbler.

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Letting it Grow: How Landowners are Helping Birds by Mowing Less
Forest Legacy Landbird Project - Working Lands

Letting it Grow: How Landowners are Helping Birds by Mowing Less

Allison Bovée and Mary Vogel have changed their landscaping practices at BirdTown Cabins in western North Carolina to create new bird habitat.

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Golden-winged Warbler Tracking Report
Conserve Golden-Wings

Geolocation Tracking Golden-winged Warblers

Geolocation tracking migration routes is essential to the success of the Golden-winged Warbler.

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Neighbors Band Together for Golden-winged Warblers
Conservation

Neighbors Band Together for Golden-winged Warblers

In Mitchell County, landowners are turning a power line right-of-way into prime habitat for a declining warbler.

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Geolocators Flying North and South
Working Lands

Geolocators Flying North and South

Geolocator data will inform our work in Western North Carolina that protects the habitats Golden-winged Warblers need for their survival. Learn more!

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How to Conserve the Golden-winged Warbler
Conserve Golden-Wings

How to Conserve the Golden-winged Warbler

Golden-winged warbler populations are on the decline in the United States. One way that Audubon North Carolina is impacting that decline is through mitigating and reversing habitat loss.

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Private Lands Protection
Landowners Protection - Working Lands

Private Lands Protection

Habitat on private lands plays a critical role in bird conservation in the southeastern U.S.

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Research in North Carolina
Research – Working Lands

Research in North Carolina

Audubon NC is involved in regional and international research in the quest to better understand bird ecology.

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Published Work on Golden-winged Warbler Conservation and Biology
Working Lands

Published Work on Golden-winged Warbler Conservation and Biology

Review recent peer reviewed and thesis papers done by Audubon staff, our academic partners at Appalachian and elsewhere.

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Goats Help Restore Golden-wing Habitat
Forest Management - Working Lands

Goats Help Restore Golden-wing Habitat

Goats will munch the leaves, woody stems, and high vegetative growth that many grazing animals will not. They don’t like to eat grass. This makes them the perfect partner in Golden-winged Warbler habitat management.

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News & Updates

Regional Land Management Outreach Initiative to Protect More Golden-Winged Warbler Habitats
Media Releases

Regional Land Management Outreach Initiative to Protect More Golden-Winged Warbler Habitats

1,000 private landowners across nine Western NC counties identified for next wave of Working Lands outreach.

Leading Conservation – Working Lands
Donate

Leading Conservation – Working Lands

We know the Golden-winged Warbler and Wood Thrush greatly benefit from connected habitats. One way we are solving this is through our Working Lands Initiative. Donate to support this program.

Bird-Friendly Forestry Training Increases Land Stewardship
Working Lands

Bird-Friendly Forestry Training Increases Land Stewardship

Outreach to private landowners is an important step in increasing land stewardship for our imperiled species. The Audubon staff works with partners to present the latest research and programs associated with the best forest management practices for birds.

With Small Changes, Forest Management Benefits Birds
Working Lands

With Small Changes, Forest Management Benefits Birds

Last month, nearly 50 foresters were trained in management practices to benefit birds in NC.

Expanding a Golden-Winged Warbler Family
Working Lands

Expanding a Golden-Winged Warbler Family

Meet Don and Holly Addis - managing their Western NC land for Golden-winged Warbler habitat with assistance from Audubon NC.

A Record-Setting Habitat for Warblers
Working Lands

A Record-Setting Habitat for Warblers

Mark and Margaret Hartman are managing their Ashe County land for Golden-winged Warblers. Click to learn more!

Audubon Vermont Biologists Visit North Carolina
Working Lands

Audubon Vermont Biologists Visit North Carolina

Audubon's North Carolina and Vermont staff joined in the Western NC mountains to study Golden-winged Warbler habitat restoration techniques.

Audubon Signs Designate Specialized Habitat
Working Lands

Audubon Signs Designate Specialized Habitat

Audubon North Carolina is engaging private landowners in focal areas in the western region to manage their land for the Golden-winged Warblers, providing signs to designate the specialized habitats.

More Volunteers Trained to Protect Warblers
Working Lands

More Volunteers Trained to Protect Warblers

A new team of Audubon volunteers met at the Highlands Biological Station and in Macon and Jackson County to learn about Golden-winged Warbler conservation techniques.

Audubon Signs Signify Specialized Habitat for Warblers
Working Lands

Audubon Signs Signify Specialized Habitat for Warblers

Audubon Signs Given to Private Landowners Signify Specialized Habitat for Golden-winged Warblers.

How you can help, right now