Wading birds including herons, egrets, and ibises depend on wetland habitats that are being rapidly drained and degraded, affecting millions of birds.
Wading birds are charismatic wetland species whose welfare is intimately tied to habitat quality and availability. Wetland drainage for agriculture and development removes the habitat these birds require for foraging, nesting, and resting. Degraded wetlands with poor water quality support fewer prey species, forcing birds to travel further and expend more energy foraging. Colony nesters are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, which can cause mass nest abandonment. Wetland conservation and restoration delivers welfare benefits to wading birds and the full community of species sharing these habitats.