Ruffed Grouse

A new analysis by the National Audubon Society reveals that populations of some of America's most familiar and beloved birds have taken a nosedive over the past forty years, with some down as much as 80 percent.

The list if disappearing birds in Pennsylvania includes the golden-winged warbler, eastern meadowlark, wood thrush, American bittern and the ruffed grouse, Pennsylvania’s state bird.

The dramatic declines are attributed to the loss of grasslands, healthy forests and wetlands, and other critical habitats from multiple environmental threats such as sprawl, energy development, and the spread of industrialized agriculture.

The study notes that these threats are now compounded by new and broader problems including the escalating effects of global warming. In concert, they paint a challenging picture for the future of many common species and send a serious warning about our increasing toll on local habitats and the environment itself.

"These are not rare or exotic birds we're talking about-these are the birds that visit our feeders and congregate at nearby lakes and seashores and yet they are disappearing day by day," said Audubon Chairperson and former EPA Administrator, Carol Browner. "Their decline tells us we have serious work to do, from protecting local habitats to addressing the huge threats from global warming."

Overall, agricultural and development pressures have driven grassland birds to some of the worst declines, followed closely by shrub, wetland and forest-dependent species.

"Direct habitat loss continues to be a leading cause for concern," said Audubon Bird Conservation Director and analysis author, Greg Butcher, PhD. "But now we're seeing the added impact of large-scale environmental problems and policies."

Butcher notes that global warming is damaging some key habitats and speeding the spread of invasive species that spur further declines. Mounting demand for corn-based fuels is expected to result in increased use of marginal farmland that currently serves as important habitat. The fate of species such as Eastern Meadowlarks and Loggerhead Shrikes could hinge on efforts to conserve these areas.

"People who care about the birds and about human quality of life need to get involved in habitat protection at home, in pushing for better state and national protections and in making changes in their daily routines," Butcher adds.

Public response will shape the long-term outlook for the listed species.

Unlike WatchList birds, these Common Birds in Decline are not in immediate danger of extinction, despite global populations as low as 500,000 for some species - the threshold for a "common bird" designation. But even birds with significantly higher overall populations are experiencing sharp declines, and with their populations down sharply, their ecological roles are going unfilled and their ultimate fate is uncertain. Audubon leaders hope the multiple threats to the birds people know will prompt individuals to take multiple actions, both locally and directed toward state and national policies.

Audubon's Common Birds in Decline list stems from the first-ever analysis combining annual sighting data from Audubon's century-old Christmas Bird Count program with results of the annual Breeding Bird Survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. "This is a powerful example of how tens of thousands of volunteer birders, pooling their observations, can make an enormous difference for the creatures they care the most about," said noted natural history writer Scott Weidensaul. "Thanks to their efforts, we have the information. Now all of us - from birders to policy makers - need to take action to keep these species from declining even further."

"Fortunately, people's actions can still make a difference," Audubon's Greg Butcher adds. "Average citizens can change the fate of these birds just as average citizens helped us confirm the trouble they face." Concerned individuals can visit www.audubon.org for important information on how to help keep common birds common and our shared environment healthy-suggested actions are also attached.

State-specific lists of the common birds in serious decline are available in select areas.

NewsClip: The Disappearing Birds

6/15/2007