There are 2.9 billion fewer breeding birds in North America than there were in 1970. This fact was calculated using datasets of 48 years from multiple independent sources, including the North American Breeding Bird Survey and the Christmas Bird Count. A comprehensive analysis of 11 years of data from 143 NEXRAD radar stations showed a similarly steep decline in the magnitude of migration.
Even common, beloved species have undergone staggering losses. The study clearly shows that the losses threaten some of our most common and beloved birds. Of the nearly 3 billion birds lost, 90% came from just 12 bird families, including sparrows, warblers, finches, and swallows. These common, widespread species play influential roles in ecosystems.
IS 2.9 BILLION A LOT?
It’s huge: a net loss of 29% of the breeding bird population over the last half-century. This net loss takes into account both increases and decreases over the last half-century, like the bottom line on a bank statement. Each year, many birds produce young while many others die. But since 1970, on balance, many more birds have died than have survived, resulting in 2.9 billion fewer breeding birds today—that’s a loss of more than 1 in 4 birds that were alive in 1970.
Learn more: https://www.3billionbirds.org/
