Vermont Projects

Golden-winged Warbler and Shrubland Bird Conservation in Vermont

Our Goals
Protecting and improving vital shrubland habitats for Golden-winged Warblers and other declining shrubland birds in Vermont.
What We’re Doing
Partnering with private and public landowners and land trusts to identify and enhance the habitat Golden-winged Warblers and other shrubland birds need.
A male Golden-winged Warbler, perched on a branch, singing.

The buzzy song of the Golden-winged Warbler is a welcome sound in May and June in Vermont, but these warblers are declining by an average of 3.4% per year, primarily due to habitat loss. This species depends on shrubland habitat, comprised of areas with sparse trees and shrubs and a grassy understory. As these habitats revert to forest or are converted for human use, populations of Golden-winged Warblers, other shrubland birds, native pollinators, and the many wildlife species that depend on them decline sharply. 

Vermont is a stronghold for Golden-winged Warblers in New England and the Champlain Valley has been identified as an important conservation area by the , a national partnership working to protect this species. ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ works across the region to identify, protect, and restore shrubland habitats that Golden-winged Warblers need for nesting and foraging. We partner with landowners, municipalities, and land trusts to safeguard the health and longevity of these vital habitats.  

How We Work

A branch bends under the weight of a Golden-winged Warbler perched at the tip.
  • Apply advanced mapping tools to locate promising shrubland habitats.
  • Collaborate with landowners to assess and restore areas that have become overgrown or degraded by invasive plant species.
  • Help secure funding to make restoration and management feasible.
  • Carry out focused on-the-ground projects that enhance habitat for birds and pollinators.
  • Track how Golden-winged Warblers and other shrubland birds respond as habitats recover.