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Domestic, free-roaming
cats are the single greatest anthropogenic cause of wild bird mortality in the United States.
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DOMESTIC, FREE ROAMING CATS KILL 1.3 to 4 BILLION WILD BIRDS ANNUALLY
For over a century, ornithologists have been sounding the alarm about cats and their impacts in the environment. Whether owned, stray, or feral, roaming domestic cats have the capacity — indeed the propensity — to hunt and kill the wild creatures that we value.
cats are the single greatest anthropogenic cause of wild bird mortality in the United States.
-
DOMESTIC, FREE ROAMING CATS KILL 1.3 to 4 BILLION WILD BIRDS ANNUALLY
For over a century, ornithologists have been sounding the alarm about cats and their impacts in the environment. Whether owned, stray, or feral, roaming domestic cats have the capacity — indeed the propensity — to hunt and kill the wild creatures that we value.
Up to 1 billion birds are killed annually in the United States due to anthropogenic sources including collisions with
human-made structures such as vehicles, buildings, windows, and power lines,
Research shows
that 54-76% of window collisions are fatal to birds. Current research indicates that more than 50% of birds that are able to fly off immediately after a window collision eventually die from their injuries.
human-made structures such as vehicles, buildings, windows, and power lines,
Research shows
that 54-76% of window collisions are fatal to birds. Current research indicates that more than 50% of birds that are able to fly off immediately after a window collision eventually die from their injuries.
Millions of acres of bird habitat are lost or degraded every year due to development, agriculture, and forestry practices.
These rapidly accelerating impacts can be mitigated only through habitat restoration and protection.
These rapidly accelerating impacts can be mitigated only through habitat restoration and protection.
The three greatest anthropogenic causes of wild bird mortality in the United States...
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You Can Help!
Everyone can help protect migratory birds. Whether it is taking actions around your home or workplace, designing bird-friendly projects, or just taking actions that reduce resource consumption, every action is one step towards protecting migratory birds for future generations. A few simple actions that can be taken include:
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Participate in citizen science bird monitoring programs (e.g., eBird, Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Counts, Urban Bird Treaties)
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Reduce energy and water use
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Recycle and use recycled products
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Assess home and office for risk of bird/glass collisions and implement best practices
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Keep cats indoors
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Reduce use of chemicals in environment
Migratory birds are among nature's most magnificent resources. Their conservation is a critical and challenging endeavor for the Migratory Bird Program and all who value nature.
Educational Articles
Educational Articles
Night Herons in South Louisiana - Nesting Habits, Behavior, and Rescue Tips
Night herons belong to South Louisiana as much as live oaks, bayous, and summer rain. New Orleans yards and nearby wetlands give them food, shade, and nesting cover. A fallen nestling usually needs help. A healthy juvenile often needs space. An injured, weak, tangled, or pet-caught heron needs professional care. When in doubt, protect the bird from immediate danger, keep pets away, avoid feeding, and call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Hyperphagia in Migratory Birds - What South Louisiana Feeders Can Expect and How to Help
During migration, many birds enter a feeding mode called hyperphagia, which simply means they eat much more than usual. They’re not being greedy. They’re fueling a trip that may stretch hundreds or even thousands of miles, often through weather, predators, and long stretches with few safe places to stop.
South Louisiana matters because it sits along the "Southernmost Welcome Center" of the Mississippi Flyway, a major migratory pathway near the Gulf.
Fall Migration in Louisiana-The Southernmost Welcome Center of the Mississippi Flyway
Here in Louisiana, we sit at one of the most important crossroads in North America. Our region serves as the Southernmost Welcome Center of the Mississippi Flyway, a place where migrating birds can rest, refuel, and recover before one of the toughest parts of their trip: crossing the Gulf.
Local Bird Breeding Season Winding Down As Shift to Fall Migration Begins
We're in the seasonal crossover period. This is the stretch of the year when wildlife rehabilitation gets especially complicated. In late spring and early summer, the work is heavily focused on baby birds, nestlings, fledglings, ducklings, and young birds separated from parents. By fall, more cases involve migration-related problems, including window strikes, cat attacks, exhaustion, dehydration, storm displacement, and vehicle collisions. In early August, both are happening
Fall Hummingbird Migration in South Louisiana - Timing Tips and What to Do If Injured
The fall movement starts earlier than many people think. By the time September feels like “migration season,” some adult males have already left. That tiny green flash at the feeder in September might be a bird on a serious journey. In South Louisiana, hummingbird season doesn’t end when summer starts to fade. In many backyards, that’s when things get really interesting. South Louisiana sits in a sweet spot for migrating birds. It has warm weather, blooming plants, wooded n
House Finch Nesting Habits in South Louisiana - What to Know
A tiny nest in your front door wreath can turn a normal day into a bird emergency, especially when the parents seem to vanish. House Finches are comfortable around people, and they’ll build nests in places that feel surprisingly close to home, like porch decorations, hanging baskets, and exposed rafters under carports. The good news is that most of these nests are not abandoned. House Finch parents are usually nearby, watching, feeding, and waiting for a quiet moment to ret
Carolina Wrens in Louisiana: Trust Their Parenting, Protect Their Nests
A tiny nest in a porch wreath can cause a very big worry. One day the adult wrens are slipping in and out with insects. The next day, the nest seems quiet. No parent is sitting there. The babies are alone. It is easy to think, “I think the parents have abandoned the nest. ”With Carolina Wrens, that is rarely true.
Mississippi Kites in Louisiana: Small Hawk, Big Sky, and a Few Surprising Snacks
Mississippi kites bring a special kind of summer energy to Louisiana. They are elegant but scrappy, small but bold, and graceful enough to make eating a bug in midair look like ballet with snacks.
Their story connects river country, long migration routes, leafy neighborhoods, and warm skies full of insects. They nest above busy human lives, whistle from treetops, defend their young with surprising nerve, and vanish south when the season turns.
Louisiana’s Expanding Waterfowl: Getting to know the Black-Bellied Whistling Duck
Black-bellied whistling ducks stand out among waterfowl in Louisiana with their striking appearance and unique behaviors. Understanding their history, habitats, breeding habits, and the legal protections they enjoy helps us appreciate these gregarious birds. This post dives into the life of black-bellied whistling ducks in Louisiana and offers practical advice on how to support their well-being and what to do if you find an injured or orphaned duck.
How Backyard Birds Adapt to Cold Weather and their Strategies for Staying Warm
When winter arrives, backyard birds face the challenge of staying warm in freezing temperatures. Unlike humans, birds cannot simply put on a coat or turn up the heat. Instead, they rely on a variety of clever and natural strategies to survive the cold. Understanding these behaviors not only deepens our appreciation for these resilient creatures but also helps bird enthusiasts create better habitats to support them through winter.
Understanding Bird Behavior: Do Birds Have a Sense of Smell and What to Do If You Find a Baby Bird
Two common topics that many bird enthusiasts and casual observers wonder about are whether birds have a sense of smell and what to do if they find a baby bird. These questions touch on important aspects of bird biology and conservation. This post explores scientific findings about birds’ sense of smell, debunks myths about baby birds being abandoned if touched by humans, and offers practical advice on how to respond if you encounter a young bird in need.
Do Birds Really Mate for Life? Myth or Reality in Avian Relationships
he idea that birds mate for life has captured human imagination for centuries. Stories of devoted pairs returning to the same nest year after year evoke a sense of romance and loyalty in the natural world. But is this image accurate? Do birds truly form lifelong partnerships, or is this a simplified view of more complex mating behaviors? This post explores the truth behind the myth of lifelong avian bonds, examining scientific research and examples from various bird species t
The Fascinating Uropygial Gland: Nature's Secrets to Bird Grooming and Feather Care
Birds are masters of self-care, and one of their most remarkable tools for maintaining their sleek, waterproof feathers is the uropygial gland. This small but powerful gland plays a crucial role in bird grooming, feather health, and waterproofing. Understanding the uropygial gland reveals how birds stay clean, dry, and ready to take flight in all kinds of weather.
Why Avian Wildlife Rehabilitators Focus on Keeping Birds Wild and the Risks of Anthropomorphism
irds brought into wildlife rehabilitation centers face a critical journey back to their natural lives. The primary goal of avian wildlife rehabilitators is to return these birds to the wild, fully capable of surviving on their own.
Exploring the Fascinating World of European Starlings from Behavior to Ecosystem Impact
European Starlings challenge us to look beyond simple labels of “good” or “bad.” Their intelligence and social nature inspire admiration, while their impact on ecosystems calls for thoughtful management. For bird lovers, they offer a chance to observe complex behaviors and enjoy spectacular natural displays.
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