Wildlife

Migratory Bird Stopover Habitat Loss

Migratory birds depend on stopover sites to rest and refuel, but coastal and inland wetlands are disappearing rapidly.

Key Facts

Over 50% of the worlds wetlands have been lost since 1900
Shorebirds have declined by 70% across the Americas since 1970
A single stopover site can be critical for entire flyway populations
Light pollution disorients and kills millions of migrating birds annually
Invertebrate abundance at stopover sites determines bird survival

Welfare Considerations

Individual migratory birds experience exhaustion, starvation, and disorientation when stopover habitat is degraded. Millions die annually from collisions with buildings during migration. Stopover site quality directly determines survival and reproduction for the entire population.

What You Can Do

Support wetland conservation organizations
Turn off lights during spring and fall migration seasons
Plant native vegetation that supports invertebrate prey
Advocate for coastal development setback requirements
Support international flyway conservation agreements