The Partners in Flight mission is expressed through three related concepts:


1. Helping species at risk. Species exhibiting warning signs today must be conserved before they become imperiled. Allowing species to become threatened or endangered results in long-term and costly recovery efforts whose success is often not guaranteed. Species that have attained endangered or threatened status must not only be protected from extinction, but also must be recovered.

2. Keeping common birds common. Native birds, both resident and migratory, must be retained in healthy numbers throughout their natural ranges. Humans have a responsibility to be good stewards of species that are fundamental to the integrity of North America`s diverse and unique ecosystems.

3. Voluntary partnerships for birds, habitat, and people. A central premise of PIF is that the resources of public and private organizations throughout the Americas must be combined, coordinated, and increased in order to acheive success in conserving bird populations in this hemisphere. The power of PIF lies in the synergy that builds when diverse, committed partners who care about birds work together for a common goal.