To learn more, visit www.wbu.com/bring-birds-back

1 in 4 in the Past 50

An article was recently published in the journal Science regarding the steep decline in avian populations. Based on their findings bird populations have seen a steep decline of almost 30% in the last 50 years, which equates to the loss of 2.9 BILLION breeding adults. Current trends affect not only long-distance migrating birds, but also the friendly native sparrows, Blue Jays, Orioles, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks that visit our feeders. In recent history, individual species have been on the brink of extinction or gone extinct. The Passenger Pigeon is a prime (and local) example of a once abundant species that went extinct. The Cincinnati Zoo was home to the last known Passenger Pigeon, Martha, who passed in 1914. The zoo has an exhibit that serves as a memorial for Martha and as a place to pause and reflect on our actions and interactions with wildlife. Progress will require more than reflection, we can all make a difference by following several easy steps.

Birds are more than just enjoyable to watch. From pollinators to insect predators to seed dispersers, they provide environmental services that are incredibly significant to the functioning of our ecosystem. The decrease in populations is not restricted to birds that inhabit specific biomes. This indicates that reasons for this decline include a multitude of factors, including some that have simple solutions, which we can use to help reverse the decline. In order for the birds to make a comeback, it will require a concerted effort in which each of us must play our part!

For more information concerning the loss of 1 in 4 birds in the past 50 years including certain biomes and species that are affected, how the data was collected, and how scientists are investing in conservation work to reverse the situation visit Vanishing: More Than 1 in 4 Birds Has Disappeared in the Last 50 Years.