Migratory Bird Welfare: Threats Along the Flyway

Migratory birds face multiple welfare threats along their flyways including hunting, illegal trapping, power lines, and habitat loss. Understanding the global picture informs targeted advocacy.

Key Facts

Over 4 billion birds migrate along European-African flyways annually
Illegal trapping kills tens of millions of birds annually in Mediterranean countries
Power line collisions cause significant mortality for large birds including storks and eagles
Habitat degradation in wintering grounds compounds breeding season pressures
BirdLife International coordinates global flyway protection advocacy
Climate change is shifting arrival and departure dates, causing mismatches with food availability

Welfare Considerations

Migratory birds face welfare threats across multiple international jurisdictions. Illegal trapping in Cyprus, Malta, and parts of North Africa causes acute suffering through adhesive lime sticks, mist nets, and crushing traps. Birds caught in illegal traps die slowly without welfare intervention. Power line electrocution causes rapid death but involves large-scale preventable mortality. Addressing migratory bird welfare requires international cooperation across the full annual cycle.

What You Can Do

Support BirdLife International flyway protection campaigns
Donate to organisations exposing and prosecuting illegal bird trapping operations
Advocate for power line insulation requirements in countries with high raptor electrocution rates