Birds

Grassland Bird Welfare: Agricultural Change and Population Decline

Grassland birds have experienced the steepest population declines of any North American bird group, driven by agricultural intensification.

Key Facts

North American grassland bird populations have declined by 53% since 1970
The bobolink has declined 65% since the 1960s from early hay cutting and pesticides
Field-nesting birds including meadowlarks lose nests and chicks to early harvesting machinery
Bobwhite quail populations have declined 85% since 1980 in the eastern US
CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) payments incentivize grassland habitat preservation

Welfare Considerations

Early hay mowing kills nesting birds and chicks on millions of acres annually. Pesticide applications eliminate insect prey that nestlings require for protein. Grassland fragmentation prevents successful breeding in remaining patches. Each pair of meadowlarks that fails to rear young because their nest was mowed represents direct welfare harm to individuals already experiencing population-level decline.

What You Can Do

Delay mowing until after July 15 if you manage grassland or hay fields
Support Conservation Reserve Program funding in agricultural policy
Donate to American Bird Conservancy grassland bird programs
Advocate for pesticide reduction policies that protect insect prey of grassland birds
Create native grassland patches even on small properties to support nesting birds