Birds

Migratory Bird Welfare: Threats Along the Flyway

Migratory birds face an exhausting gauntlet of threats during seasonal journeys; protecting stopover habitats and reducing hazards is critical.

Key Facts

Nearly 4 billion birds die in North America annually from human causes
Glass collisions kill up to 1 billion birds per year in the US alone
Light pollution disorients migrating birds causing exhaustion and death
Loss of stopover habitat forces birds to migrate without adequate refueling

Welfare Considerations

Migratory birds experience enormous physical stress during long flights; they require intact stopover habitats to feed and rest. Habitat loss, communication towers, glass buildings, cats, and pesticides compound already challenging migrations. Urban areas with collision hazards and light pollution create particular danger during migration peaks.

What You Can Do

Apply bird-safe window film or decals to your home
Turn off lights during spring and fall migration peaks
Support conservation of wetland and forest stopover habitats
Participate in citizen science bird monitoring programs