Migratory bird populations face rising human-induced threats

Human-induced threats are significantly impacting migratory bird populations worldwide. Of the approximately 1,800 migratory species—representing 20% of the world's 11,000 bird species—it is estimated that 51% are experiencing population declines.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 43 migratory species are currently critically endangered. The primary driver for these declines is habitat loss and degradation, which accounts for 65% of the risk for critically endangered species. Other major threats include climate change, invasive species, overhunting, and industrial fishing accidents.

Geographic regions face distinct challenges. In the United States and Canada, collisions with high-rise buildings and predation by domestic cats are leading causes of death, resulting in over one billion bird fatalities annually. In the East Asian and Australian migratory routes, trapping is a significant concern, affecting 47% of terrestrial bird species.