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National Bird Day

Fly high and celebrate National Bird Day - be sure to join us in protecting our feathered friends and their habitats!

Tuesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 5

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYBirds

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Bird Day on Jan 5, an annual event to raise awareness about the importance of birds and their habitats. This day was first created in 2002 by bird conservation organizations around the world and has since become a popular holiday for people who love nature and animals. Each year, thousands of people join together to learn more about birds and help protect them from harm or destruction. From taking part in bird watching expeditions to helping out with local conservation efforts - there's plenty of ways you can get involved!

TIMELINE

National Bird Day Timeline

First Migratory Bird Law

The first federal U.S. law to protect migratory birds, the Lacey Act, was passed in 1903.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is enacted, making it unlawful to pursue, capture, kill, or sell certain birds without permission.

Duck Stamp Act

The Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act, commonly known as the "Duck Stamp Act," is passed, providing funds for the conservation of waterfowl habitats.

Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring"

"Silent Spring", a book by Rachel Carson about the harmful effects of pesticides on birds and other wildlife, raised public awareness and led to changes in environmental policies.

First National Bird Day

National Bird Day was first celebrated in 2002, to raise awareness about the hardships captive birds face and promote responsible bird ownership.

Global Birdwatching Surge

During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in birdwatching surged globally, as people found joy and solace in observing birds during lockdowns.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Bird Day

Go Bird Watching

Head out to your local park or nature reserve and go bird watching. Bring along a field guide, binoculars, and some snacks to set yourself up for an afternoon of fun.

FEED

Feed the Birds

Grab some birdseed and head outside. Set up a bird feeder in your yard or hang some bird seed from tree branches and watch the birds come flocking in.

BUILD

Build a Birdhouse

Make a home for feathered friends with this easy DIY project. Collect some wood scraps, drill some holes, attach a roof and you’re done.

LEARN

Learn About Birds

Read up on different species of birds and learn their habits, diets, habitat and migration patterns. Take a course online or at a local community college or library.

CREATE

Create Bird Art

Take a photo of a bird, draw one or paint one - get creative with your bird art. Use whatever medium you like – watercolor paints, pencils, chalk pastels – there’s no wrong way to make art!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Bird Day

Birds bring joy to our lives

Whether it's the chirping of morning songbirds or the soaring flight of a hawk, birds have a special way of bringing us a sense of peace and connection to nature like no other animal can. So why not take some time this National Bird Day to go out and appreciate these amazing creatures?

Birds are beautiful

From the bright colors of a hummingbird to the majestic wingspan of an eagle, birds come in all shapes and sizes and their beauty never fails to amaze us. Watching wild birds fly can be an incredibly calming and peaceful experience - one that we should all strive to enjoy more often!

Birds are important for our ecosystems

Not only do birds add beauty to our world but they are also essential players in the health of our planet's ecosystems. Birds help spread seeds, which creates new vegetation and increases biodiversity. They also serve as important predators by keeping insect populations in check.

Related holidays

SAT

May 2026

Animals

World Migratory Bird Day

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day by taking a trip to your local park and enjoy the beauty of nature with our feathered friends!

National Bird Feeding Month

Join the flock and spread your love for birds this National Bird Feeding Month with our tips, tricks, and bird-friendly products!

Big Garden Birdwatch

Join us for the Big Garden Birdwatch - a day to appreciate nature's avian wonders, right from the comfort of your backyard!

Audubon Day

Get ready to appreciate and protect our feathered friends on Audubon Day - join in local birdwatching events, learn about conservation efforts, and support the cause!

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