North American Bird Populations Decline Significantly Across Habitats

Recent studies using citizen science data and advanced analytics have revealed that nearly 75% of bird species in North America are experiencing sharp population declines, including in their most suitable and historically abundant habitats. The declines are especially pronounced for species breeding in grasslands, arid lands, and Arctic regions, likely due to environmental changes such as climate warming. These findings challenge previous assumptions that birds are faring well in their traditional strongholds and highlight the pervasive nature of the crisis. The research leverages large datasets from birdwatching apps and machine learning to provide a more detailed, location-specific understanding of population trends, which is crucial for targeted conservation efforts. The loss of bird populations threatens ecosystem functions like pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control, and diminishes cultural and recreational experiences for people. Conservationists emphasize the urgent need for action as studies continue to show significant declines across nearly every ecological biome in North America.