Southern Indiana Cerulean Warbler BirdScape (SICWB)

The Cerulean Warbler is a small, striking blue songbird whose presence signals the health of mature eastern forests. Once common across large portions of the eastern United States, the species has experienced dramatic declines over the last several decades—making it one of the most urgent bird conservation priorities in North America.

The Sam Shine Foundation’s Cerulean Warbler conservation work is centered on a comprehensive, landscape-scale effort known as the Southern Indiana Cerulean Warbler BirdScape (SICWB).

Why the Cerulean Warbler Matters

Since 1970, Cerulean Warblers have experienced a global population decline of more than 70 percent, including significant losses in Indiana, where the species still maintains an important breeding population. The primary drivers of this decline include habitat loss and degradation across breeding, migration, and wintering areas.

Cerulean Warblers depend on large, intact tracts of high-quality oak-hickory forest with complex canopy structure. These habitats are increasingly rare due to forest fragmentation, altered management practices, and land-use change. Because of their specific habitat needs, Cerulean Warblers are considered a strong indicator species for forest health—when conditions are right for them, many other species benefit as well.

A Full Life-Cycle

Conservation Approach

The Sam Shine Foundation takes a full life-cycle conservation approach to Cerulean Warbler recovery. While improving breeding habitat in southern Indiana is essential, it represents only one piece of a much larger puzzle.

Cerulean Warblers migrate thousands of miles each year, traveling through the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America before spending the winter months in South America. To be effective, conservation efforts must ensure birds have access to suitable habitat at every stage of their life cycle - including migration stopover sites and wintering grounds.

By addressing threats and opportunities across this entire range, the Foundation aims to create lasting population recovery rather than short-term gains.

Habitat restoration and protection, with a focus on high-quality oak-hickory forests
Science and research to better understand population trends, habitat use, and limiting factors
Outreach and education to increase awareness and engagement among landowners and communities
Policy coordination to support conservation-friendly forest management
International collaboration to protect migration corridors and South American wintering habitats

Partners engaged in this work include organizations such as the American Bird Conservancy, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Central Indiana Land Trust, Purdue University, and international partners including SELVA and the Cerulea Environmental Association. By aligning expertise, funding, and on-the-ground action, the BirdScape is building a coordinated path toward recovery.

Our Commitment

The Sam Shine Foundation has committed $3 million to the Southern Indiana Cerulean Warbler BirdScape - underscoring its long-term commitment to this work. While Cerulean Warblers are the focal species, the benefits extend far beyond a single bird.

Restoring and managing oak-hickory forests in Indiana is expected to support other declining species such as the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Red-headed Woodpecker, as well as a wide range of mammals, insects, and plants that depend on these increasingly rare forest systems.

Our Impact

The Sam Shine Foundation is deeply committed to this work. The Cerulean Warbler is one of seven ambassador species around which we are building comprehensive conservation strategies, and to date the Foundation has committed $3 million to the Southern Indiana Cerulean Warbler BirdScape effort.

While this initiative focuses on Cerulean Warblers, the benefits extend far beyond a single species. Restoring high-quality oak-hickory forests in Indiana is expected to support other declining birds such as the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Red-headed Woodpecker, as well as a wide range of mammals, insects, and other wildlife that rely on these increasingly rare habitats.

Looking Ahead

Vera Orndorff

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