Of the 502 species of greatest conservation need in Maryland, 141 species are birds. Conservation efforts focused on birds will also benefit many wildlife species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the National Audubon Society and the birding community to identify Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the State. The Important Bird Areas Program in Maryland is part of an international initiative. The goals of the program are to identify the areas most essential for sustaining native bird populations, and then focus conservation efforts on these places. An IBA is a site that provides essential habitat for one or more species of vulnerable birds. This includes nesting areas, migration stop-over sites, or wintering grounds. Usually, they are discrete sites that stand out from the surrounding landscape. IBAs can be small or large in extent, and may be on public or private lands. To date, 20 IBAs have been designated in Maryland. Learn more about the Maryland Important Bird Area Program.