National Bird Day is observed each year on January 5 to raise awareness about bird welfare and protection, with particular attention to birds kept in captivity or impacted by the pet trade.
The observance was established in 2002 by the Avian Welfare Coalition in coordination with Born Free USA. Its purpose is to draw attention to the often-overlooked suffering of captive birds and to promote the idea that birds are best suited to life in the wild.
The date aligns with the conclusion of the annual Christmas Bird Count, using a period of heightened public interest in wild birds to encourage broader discussion about conservation, habitat protection, and ethical treatment.
🐦 While January 5 is the primary date for National Bird Day, other bird-related observances include International Migratory Bird Day, held on the second Saturday in May and October, and the original Bird Day, observed on May 4. Established in 1894, the original Bird Day focused on school-based conservation education and moral responsibility toward nature, while the modern observance places greater emphasis on bird welfare, captivity, and the illegal pet trade.
Why Celebrate National Bird Day?
National Bird Day raises awareness about bird welfare and ethical treatment, with many people using social media hashtags such as #NationalBirdDay, #CancelCages, and #MoreBeautifulWild to share the message.
The day focuses on questioning the pet bird trade and improving standards of care, while promoting the view that birds are not domesticated animals and are best suited to life in the wild.
It also draws attention to the essential ecological roles birds play, from pollination and seed dispersal to natural pest control, and encourages support for conservation efforts that protect the habitats birds depend on.
When is National Bird Day Celebrated?
National Bird Day is observed on January 5 and focuses on bird welfare, conservation, and the protection of wild habitats. The day encourages learning about birds’ ecological roles and supporting efforts that reduce harm from captivity and habitat loss.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | January 5, Monday |
| 2027 | January 5, Tuesday |
| 2028 | January 5, Wednesday |
| 2029 | January 5, Friday |
| 2030 | January 5, Saturday |
Facts About Birds
Here are some interesting bird facts to consider on National Bird Day:
- Longest migration: The Arctic Tern holds the record for the longest migration, flying from the Arctic to Antarctica, covering up to 44,000 miles annually.
- Largest bird: The ostrich is the largest living bird, standing up to 9 feet tall and weighing over 300 pounds.
- Fastest bird: The peregrine falcon can dive at speeds exceeding 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal in the world.
- Birds and dinosaurs: Birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs, sharing a common ancestry with theropods like the Velociraptor.
Ways to Celebrate National Bird Day
There are plenty of ways to celebrate National Bird Day while also supporting bird conservation efforts:
- Visit a local bird sanctuary: Spend the day learning about different bird species and the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
- Create a bird-friendly backyard: Add bird feeders, plant native shrubs, and put up birdhouses to make your outdoor space a haven for local birds.
- Support bird conservation organizations: Consider donating to groups dedicated to preserving bird habitats and fighting against the illegal bird trade.
- Adopt a bird ethically: If you’re considering adding a pet bird to your family, ensure you adopt from ethical, bird-friendly organizations.
