How Long Do Birds Live? Lifespans by Species
Feature photo: Jaymi Heimbuch
Read Time: 7 minutes
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Most of my time is spent either daydreaming about my next birdwatching trip or obsessively editing yet another batch of bird photos (yes, I did need 37 shots of that one yellow warbler). But one morbid question doesn’t pop into my head much: how long do birds live? Like, if I go to the same birding spot next year, or 5 years from now, will I see the same individual birds?
Even if I don’t tend to think about it much, it is an interesting subject to explore.
And after some research, it turns out that there's no real simple answer. Some birds barely make it a year, while others might outlive you and me. It's fascinating and kinda weird all at once, so let’s get into it.
What's the Average Lifespan of Wild Birds?
Here's a sad truth about wild birds: most don't make it past their first birthday. Baby birds face a number of threats daily - predators, starvation, disease, accidents, bad weather - you name it. They're living that hardcore "survival of the fittest" life.
But once a bird manages to survive that deadly first year, their odds improve dramatically - yay! Many smaller birds like sparrows and finches typically live 2-5 years in the wild, while medium-sized birds might make it 5-10 years. And some of the bigger birds can stick around for decades.
The thing that surprises most people is how these lifespans compare to mammals of similar size. Birds generally live WAY longer than mammals of comparable weight. A house sparrow might live 10x longer than a mouse, despite being roughly the same size. Scientists think it has something to do with birds' higher metabolic rates and lower oxidative damage, but tbh, they're still figuring it out.
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Which Birds Live the Longest?
If you're looking for the avian version of those century-old tortoises, large parrots and seabirds are your best bet.
Take the albatross - these massive seabirds can live 50+ years in the wild. There's a famous Laysan albatross named Wisdom who's at least 70 years old and STILL laying eggs as of 2021! This bird was banded back in 1956 and continues to reproduce - she's probably raised over 30 chicks in her lifetime!
The current record-holder for bird longevity is believed to be a Major Mitchell's cockatoo that reportedly lived to be 87. There's also Cookie, a Major Mitchell's cockatoo at Brookfield Zoo near Chicago who lived to 83.
What Affects How Long Birds Live?
Size matters - In the bird world, bigger generally means longer-lived. There are exceptions, but as a rule, larger birds live longer than tiny ones. Eagles outlive sparrows, geese outlive wrens, etc.
Predator pressure - Birds that everyone wants to eat (looking at you, songbirds) generally evolve shorter lifespans and higher reproduction rates. Meanwhile, birds that can defend themselves or live in safer habitats often evolve longer lifespans.
Habitat and lifestyle - Island birds with few natural predators often evolve longer lifespans. Same with seabirds that spend most of their time far from land. They're playing life on "easy mode" compared to birds in predator-rich environments.
Brain size - This is weird, but there's actually a correlation between relative brain size and lifespan in birds. Smarter birds (corvids, parrots) tend to live longer than birds with smaller brains relative to their body size.
We give 20% of all shop profits to bird conservation & inclusive birding efforts.
How Long Do Common Backyard Birds Live?
Most of us see the same cast of characters at our bird feeders day after day. How long are these feathered visitors sticking around?
- American Robin - Typically 2-3 years in the wild, though the record is about 14 years.
- Northern Cardinal - Average lifespan around 3 years, though they can reach 15+ years in optimal conditions.
- Black-capped Chickadee - Usually 2-3 years, though some have reached 12.
- Blue Jay - About 7 years on average, with some making it to 17.
- House Sparrow - Typically 3-5 years, with a record of 23 years (though that's EXTREMELY rare).
- American Crow - Average 7-8 years, but can reach 20+ years.
In short, that chickadee at your feeder might have been visiting your yard for half a decade.
Why Do Pet Birds Live Longer Than Wild Birds?
If you want a bird to live its best, longest life, bring it indoors. Pet birds typically live MUCH longer than their wild counterparts for pretty obvious reasons:
- No predators trying to eat them
- Regular meals without food scarcity
- Veterinary care when they get sick
- Protection from harsh weather
- No need to migrate thousands of miles
- No windows or cats to crash into
But this comes with a huge caveat: captive birds only live longer when properly cared for. A neglected pet bird in a tiny cage with a poor diet might live a shorter, more miserable life than its wild counterparts.
How Can You Tell How Old a Bird Is?
Photo: Jaymi Heimbuch
Unless you're a researcher with specialized knowledge, it's pretty tough to age most birds. Once they reach adulthood, many species look basically the same whether they're 2 or 20.
There are some exceptions:
- Bald eagles don't get their iconic white head until they're about 5 years old.
- Some gulls take 4+ years to develop their adult plumage.
- Certain parrot species have eye color that changes as they age.
But for most birds at your feeder? You'd need to catch them and check for a band with data, which I don't recommend trying at home!!
What Birds Can Outlive Humans?
Not many birds can outlive us, but a few species have the potential:
- Large parrots - Macaws, cockatoos, and Amazon parrots have all been documented living 80+ years in captivity.
- Some large raptors - There are anecdotal reports of eagles living into their 70s.
- Certain seabirds - Albatrosses and some large petrels can potentially reach their 70s.
If you're thinking of getting a parrot as a pet, this longevity is something to seriously consider. These birds might need to be included in your will. No joke - plenty of parrots outlive their owners and end up needing to be rehomed. It's a major commitment!
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How Can We Help Wild Birds Live Longer?
Unfortunately, we humans have made life pretty challenging for many bird species. Between habitat loss, climate change, outdoor cats, window collisions, and environmental toxins, we've stacked the deck against them. But if you want to help birds reach their natural lifespans, here are some simple ways:
- Keep cats indoors (they kill MILLIONS of birds annually)
- Make windows visible to birds with decals or screens
- Provide clean water and appropriate food
- Plant native species that provide natural shelter and food
- Avoid pesticides in your yard
- Support bird-friendly legislation and conservation efforts
And hey, while you're thinking about our feathered friends, check out the perfect cozy layer for bird lovers to wear on your next birding adventure. Because sometimes the best way to see birds living their full lives is to bundle up and spend more time watching them.
The next time you spot a cardinal or robin in your yard, take a moment to appreciate them. That little bird might have survived multiple migrations, predator attacks, brutal weather, and still showed up to sing another day.
