Winter Bird Survival | ForTheBirdsAcadiana

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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.

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.

A bird laying at the foot of a window after colliding with it

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:

Participate in citizen science bird monitoring programs (e.g., eBird, Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Counts, Urban Bird Treaties)
Reduce energy and water use
Recycle and use recycled products
Assess home and office for risk of bird/glass collisions and implement best practices
Keep cats indoors
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

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.