Massachusetts Important Bird Areas (IBA)

Northern Harrier at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary © D. Wauchope

What is an IBA?

An IBA (Important Bird Area) is a site providing essential habitat to one or more species of breeding, wintering, and/or migrating birds. The primary goals of the IBA program are:

• To identify, nominate, and designate key sites that contribute to the preservation of significant bird populations or communities.
• To provide information that will help land managers evaluate areas for habitat management and/or land acquisition.
• To activate public and private participation in bird conservation efforts.
• To provide public education and community outreach opportunities.

The Massachusetts Important Bird Area Program (IBA) is carried out cooperatively by staff from Mass Audubon, a volunteer Technical Committee and various partner organizations. We have an informational brochure about the IBA program that is available for distribution at birding meetings and events. If interested, please contact iba@massaudubon.org for more information.