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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
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
For The Birds of Acadiana 2026 Mid-year Impact Report*
At the halfway point of the year, the numbers tell a clear story: more birds are coming through the doors, more species are being represented, and the work of avian wildlife rehabilitation is reaching greater heights.
Why Fewer Qualified Bird Rehabilitators Protect More Birds
For The Birds of Acadiana’s position reflects a hard truth in wildlife care: quality over quantity protects more birds in the long run. A smaller group of highly qualified avian rehabilitators can produce better outcomes than a much larger group without the skill, oversight, or facilities to do the work safely.
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.
Our Why: The Goal of Migratory Bird Rehabilitation
Migratory birds play a crucial role in maintaining the health of ecosystems across the globe. At For The Birds of Acadiana, the mission to protect, rehabilitate, and release these birds back into the wild supports not only the birds themselves but also the broader environment and communities that depend on a balanced natural world.
Analyzing For The Birds of Acadiana's 2025 Wildlife Rehabilitation Statistics and Their Impacts on Conservation Efforts
Wildlife rehabilitation demands patience, skill, and countless hours of dedication. For The Birds of Acadiana, 2025 was a year marked by significant successes and challenges in caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. This analysis explores their rehabilitation statistics, focusing on birds and bats admitted during the reporting period.
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.
Caring for Injured Birds: Guidelines for Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Legal Responsibilities
Finding an injured, ill, or orphaned bird can be a distressing experience. Many people want to help but may not know the best way to provide care without causing further harm. Proper handling, transport, and understanding legal protections are essential to ensure the bird’s safety and recovery. This guide offers clear, practical advice on how to assist birds responsibly while respecting wildlife laws.
Understanding the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Its Impact on Wild Birds and Citizens
One of the most important laws in the United States is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This post explains why the MBTA was created, what it means for citizens who find wild birds, and how the law guides proper care and interaction with these animals.
Glue traps are indiscriminate and often lead to the unintended capture of federally protected birds and other wildlife
We empathize with the intention behind using glue traps and glue boards; however, as stewards of wildlife, we must emphasize that this metho
Climate, Birds, and Insects: Out of Balance
Climate change significantly impacts insect populations, which, in turn, profoundly affects migratory bird populations in the United States
The Alarming Decline of Birds and Insects: A Call to Action
By understanding the factors contributing to the decline of birds and insects, and taking concrete steps to help, we can work towards a more
Keeping them wild
"Keeping them wild" - As the founder and director of For the Birds of Acadiana, a nonprofit bird rescue, Julie Rabalais has become a local
Julie Rabalais – For the Birds of Acadiana, Avian Rehabilitator
Julie Rabalais, advocate for bird rehabilitation and founder of For the Birds of Acadiana, shares her passion on Discover Lafayette.
A Closer Look at Northern Cardinals and Their Territorial Behaviors During Breeding Season / Why Do Cardinals Attack Mirrors?
Northern Cardinals, a popular species in North America, are known for their strong sense of territory, particularly when it comes to nesting
Understanding Imprinting in Birds: Familial and Human Influences
Effective rehabilitation not only involves physical care but also psychological considerations that influence a bird's ability to thrive in
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