National Bird Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Bird Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Bird Day is celebrated on January 5th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Bird Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about National Bird Day.

📅 What day is National Bird Day 2024?

In 2024, National Bird Day is on Thursday, January 5th. It is the 1st Thursday in January; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all intriguing details and facts about January 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Birds hold a special place in our affection, which is why we celebrate National Bird Day on January 5th annually. Despite their magnificence, birds face significant challenges as a diverse animal group. They serve as important indicators of environmental health, as demonstrated by the saying “canary in the coal mine.” Due to threats such as the illegal pet trade, diseases, and habitat destruction, many bird species are endangered. Therefore, it is crucial to raise public awareness about the needs of birds, as hundreds of species rely on our support for their survival.

📜 National Bird Day History

The Avian Welfare Coalition created National Bird Day to raise awareness about the challenges faced by birds and how we can create a better and sustainable relationship with them. Birds are important as they have a deep connection to the past, being closely related to dinosaurs. They also play a crucial role as keystone species in ecosystems, indicating the overall health and vitality of the ecosystem. For example, woodpeckers provide homes for many other creatures, so if they were to run out of food or suitable trees, it would affect all the creatures that depend on them. Although National Bird Day started in 2002, birds have faced difficulties for a long time, as seen in the extinction of species like the Dodo, Labrador Duck, and Passenger Pigeon, which were once revered by Native American tribes and celebrated in American art.

✅ National Bird Day Facts

🔖 Birds communicate well
Birds have effective communication skills through their chirping and singing.

🔖 Why birds sing and chirp
Birds use their songs and chirping as a way to catch the attention of a potential mate, making it one of the purposes behind their singing and chirping.

🔖 No teeth
Birds do not have teeth in any species.

👍 Why Is National Bird Day Important

There are 9,800 bird species, and while you’re unlikely to see an ostrich or an emu in suburban America, a little effort and patience may offer amazing birding results. National Bird Day honors the diversity of bird species, including the 850 species found in the United States. They do, after all, have two wings, feathers, and a beak. However, there are significant variances after that.

National Bird Day is planned to coincide with the annual Christmas Bird Count, which runs for three weeks and is the world’s biggest citizen scientific survey, tracking America’s wild birds. We gain an accurate picture of bird numbers by counting as many birds as we can see. Birders’ attention will shift to the care and well-being of the country’s millions of confined birds on January 5.

Birds are all over our culture, from the story of Icarus to Big Bird to Roadrunner, from Prince’s song “When Doves Cry” to Monty Python’s Dead Parrot sketch, from that “bird is the word” song they always play on the TV show Family Guy to the wisdom of owls and all the world’s partridges in pear trees. Flight represents ambition, but also arrogance and the inevitability of landing. Birds force us to consider our place in the world.

🙂 How To Observe National Bird Day

⚡ Adopt a bird
Instead of buying a bird from a breeder, why not consider adopting a rescued bird and contribute to the efforts in addressing the difficulties faced by birds all over the country? National Bird Day allows us to understand the requirements of caged birds, such as access to clean water, proper lighting, and a pollution-free environment. It also encourages us to reflect on how our actions can either support or hinder their well-being in the wider ecosystem.

⚡ Study some birds
Now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your understanding of birds and reflect on their importance in our lives. You can do this by exploring resources such as the Sibley Guide to Birds for bird enthusiasts, delving into memoirs like “H is for Hawk,” or even immersing yourself in novels like Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” that prominently feature birds.

⚡ Watch some birds
Based on data from the United States Census Bureau, birdwatching is a more popular activity among Americans than playing both baseball and football combined. Becoming a part of the peaceful birdwatching community not only opens up opportunities for new experiences but also connects you with like-minded individuals who can offer valuable perspectives on your role in protecting our delicate planet. This serves as a wonderful incentive to explore and engage in a new activity.

📅 When is National Bird Day?

View all 🔗 January holidays, including 🔗 Animal and other 🔗 Pet holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Bird Day. So be sure to check back soon.