Many central Northern American bird species in decline...

                                                                                                   Photos by BarrytheBirder

 Red-winged Blackbird

Central North American bird species facing significant declines include grassland birds (sparrows, larks, many insectivores (warblers, flycatchers), and even common backyard birds such as Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows, with some reports indicating 3/4s of all species are declining, driven by habitat loss, climate change, and insect declines.   Major losses are seen in Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Meadowlarks, Starlings, and various sparrows, affecting ecosystems across the continent, from prairies to forests.   Almost 3 billion birds have disappeared in just over 50 years according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Key bird groups in decline

Grassland Birds: This group has seen drastic losses (around 53% since 1970), including species like Western Meadowlarks and various sparrows.

Insectivores: Many ground-foraging and canopy-dwelling insect-eaters are struggling, such as Blue-winged Warblers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers,

Common Backyard Birds:   Even familiar species like Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows are contributing to overall losses.

Dark-eyed Junco

Wetland Birds:   While some waterfowl have recovered, Red-winged Blackbirds, a common wetland bird, have seen massive declines!

Please comment if you wish.

Barry the Birder