We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Environment

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Why Have So Many Birds Disappeared in North America?

Margaret Lipman
By
Published: Oct 17, 2024
Views: 167
Share

According to a 2019 study conducted by leading ornithologists from U.S. and Canadian government agencies, North America has 29% fewer birds than in 1970. This means that roughly three billion birds have been lost across hundreds of species, including some of the most common feathered visitors to backyard feeders, like sparrows, finches, warblers, thrushes, swallows, and many others.

The reasons for the decline in North America’s bird population and biodiversity are complex, but some of the causes are fairly obvious. Agricultural expansion has equated to habitat loss for many grassland species, which have also suffered from scarcity due to pesticides killing the insects they depend on for food.

Several other factors have undoubtedly contributed to the massive bird loss, including broad ecological threats like pollution and climate change. In the U.S. alone, roaming outdoor cats (mostly feral or unowned) kill an estimated two billion birds yearly. Another billion American birds die after flying into glass doors or windows. Light pollution can also be seriously disorienting for birds, affecting their migration patterns with fatal consequences.

The pervasive decline has surprised ornithologists, who expected adaptable “common” species to be better suited to changing environments and food sources.

Other studies have detected similarly dwindling bird populations in many parts of the world. Yet most of the bird species that are in decline are not in immediate danger of extinction, though some species have been harder hit than others. And some are thriving, especially wetland birds like ducks and geese, as well as raptors protected by endangered species laws.

However, as bird numbers decline from generation to generation, the possibility of extinction becomes more likely. When discussing “shrinking baseline syndrome,” conservationists often point to the sudden extinction of the passenger pigeon, which was once the most abundant bird in North America, numbering at least three billion, but rapidly declined and went extinct around 1900.

The bird's the word:

  • Birds play integral roles in their ecosystems, from dispersing seeds and pollinating plants to eating harmful insects. Some are predators, while others are prey, thus keeping the populations of other animals in balance.

  • Bird populations in the United States and Canada are well-monitored due to the efforts of birdwatching enthusiasts and citizen scientists who take part in tallies like the North American Breeding Bird Survey and the Christmas Bird Count.

  • The decline in biodiversity is unlikely to be restricted to birds. The potential loss of other creatures, like insects, could indicate a broader problem with the health of ecosystems, but, unlike birds, they are very difficult to count.

  • Additional data comes from dozens of weather radar systems that can detect the size and movements of groups of migrating birds, which appear as large blobs on the radar imagery. During the 2010s, the volume of birds’ spring migration decreased by 14%.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.
Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.com/why-have-so-many-birds-disappeared-in-north-america.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.