Audubon Pennsylvania Birds Conservation
The Important Bird Area Program in Pennsylvania
 The Important Bird Areas Program (IBA) is a global effort to identify and conserve areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity. By working with Audubon chapters, landowners, public agencies, community groups, and other non-profits, Audubon endeavors to interest and activate a broad network of supporters to ensure that all Important Bird Areas are properly managed and conserved.
An Important Bird Area (IBA) is a site that is part of a global network of places recognized for their outstanding value to bird conservation. An IBA can be large or small, public or private, and must meet one of several objective criteria. Since the IBA program is voluntary, there are no legal or regulatory restrictions.
The IBA program was started by BirdLife International in Europe in the 1980's. BirdLife International is a global coalition of partner organizations in over 100 countries. The National Audubon Society is the U.S. Partner Designate of BirdLife International and administers the IBA program in the United States.
Formed in 1996, Pennsylvania developed the first statewide IBA program in the country. A group of scientific advisors has identified over 80 IBA sites encompassing over two million acres of Pennsylvania's public and private land. These areas include migratory staging areas, winter roost sites and prime breeding areas for songbirds, wading birds, and other species.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s IBAs, including a map and complete inventory, click here.
| 
