BirdLife International report shows 45% decline in migratory bird populations

A new report from BirdLife International, titled ‘State of the World’s Birds’, reveals that 45 percent of migratory bird species are experiencing population declines. The study, which focuses specifically on migratory species and their global routes, identifies 1,843 migratory bird species worldwide.

According to the findings, approximately 11 percent of migratory species—roughly one in nine—are currently threatened with extinction. The report highlights that seabirds and shorebirds are among the most vulnerable groups. Specifically, 54 percent of migratory shorebird populations have declined, and 42 percent of seabird species using marine migration routes are threatened with extinction.

The report categorizes migration into several major systems, including four large systems for land and water birds and six systems for seabirds. These include the Americas Flyway System, which comprises the Pacific, Central, and Atlantic routes, as well as the Africa-Eurasia Flyway System.