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National Birds Day is not just a celebration but a call to action, raising public awareness of the realities of bird breeding mills, the bird trade and ways to improve the welfare of birds already in captivity.
National Bird Day was established by the Avian Welfare Coalition.(Image: Shutterstock)
National Bird Day 2025: Birds play an important role in our ecosystem, dispersing seeds, pollinating plants, and controlling insect populations. These feathered creatures also bring us bundles of joy with their songs and colourful plumage. But every year, millions of birds are caught in the wild or produced in confinement for commercial profit or human amusement. They are captured in conditions that fail to meet the instinctive behavioural and physical needs of these wild animals, leading to their death.
To reduce this suffering of birds, National Bird Day is celebrated every year on January 5. This day is not just a celebration but a call to action by raising public awareness of the realities of cruel bird breeding mills, the destructive bird trade, and ways to enhance the welfare of birds already in captivity.
Ahead of this day, let’s take a closer look at its theme, history, significance, and ways to celebrate this day.
National Birds Day: History
National Bird Day was established by the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting birds from cruelty and abuse, in 2002. The day coincides with the annual Christmas Bird Count, a long-standing tradition in the US that tracks bird populations around the world.
The day was founded to educate the public about the many threats faced by birds, particularly those affected by habitat destruction, climate change, illegal trade, and captivity.
National Birds Day: Significance
This day holds immense significance as it serves as a reminder to celebrate the beauty and importance of birds. Apart from this, the day raises awareness about declining bird populations and the urgent need for their conservation.
On this day, organisations unite individuals and organisations to work towards a common cause and encourage sustainable practices to protect bird habitats.
Since ancient times, the significance of birds has been recognised in India. From mythology to fine art, aves hold a special place in Indian culture. By celebrating National Bird Day, we can reconnect with this rich heritage and advocate for bird conservation.
National Bird Day 2025: How To Celebrate
- Go birdwatching: Take a trip to a local park or nature reserve to see different birds in their natural habitat.
- Learn about birds: Read books/articles and educate people about the plight of captive birds and the importance of conservation. This way, we can contribute to a better future for birds.
- Watch Documentaries: Watch a documentary such as Broken Wings. This is a unique music film that tells the untold story of bird poaching around the world.
- Build a bird feeder: You can also hang a bird feeder with food and water in your backyard and watch the birds come to eat their meal.
- Make bird crafts: Make birdhouses, bird mobiles, or even just colour pictures of birds on this day.
- Become a helping hand: Support bird rescues, conservation organisations, and sanctuaries working to protect birds and their habitats.
- Raise Your Voice: The most important thing is to stop patronising stores that sell birds or use them for display.