Birds

The Welfare of Migratory Birds

Migratory birds face an extraordinary gauntlet of threats during twice-yearly journeys that can span continents and thousands of kilometers.

Key Facts

Over 1,800 bird species undertake migrations, some exceeding 30,000 km annually
Light pollution causes millions of migration-related building strikes annually
Hunting along flyways kills an estimated 25 million birds per year in the Mediterranean alone
Climate change is desynchronizing migration timing with food availability
Habitat loss at stopover sites forces birds to complete migrations without adequate rest and fuel

Welfare Considerations

Migration is physiologically extreme — birds may lose half their body weight and fly nonstop for days across open ocean. Each additional threat along a flyway adds to mortality and suffering. Light pollution traps birds in disorienting urban cores where they exhaust themselves before striking buildings. The welfare of migratory birds requires international cooperation because their lives span multiple jurisdictions.

What You Can Do

Turn off unnecessary lights during migration seasons (spring and fall) especially in tall buildings
Support international flyway conservation agreements and bird protection treaties
Participate in citizen science bird monitoring programs during migration
Advocate against hunting in key migration corridors