In recent years, bird populations have experienced devastating declines, with nearly 30% of North America’s birds disappearing since 1970. This alarming trend, highlighted by the loss of 2.9 billion birds, has captured the attention of conservationists, especially as urban landscapes like New York City pose unique threats to migratory species (Axelson, 2019). As one of the busiest migratory passages in the United States, the city becomes both a haven and a hazard for millions of birds during seasonal migrations. Here’s why this issue matters and what we can do to address it.

Figure 1

Bird Hotspots Within Manhattan, A Total of 340 Species Recorded in the Borough 

Note. From Birding in NYC (Manhattan), NYC Bird Alliance (https://nycbirdalliance.org/events-birding/birding-resources/birding-in-nyc/birding-in-manhattan).

New York City’s towering skyline and intense artificial lighting present significant challenges for migratory birds. Each year, hundreds of thousands of birds collide with windows, often fatally. According to recent studies, bird-building collisions are one of the leading causes of avian mortality in urban areas, second only to habitat loss. The reflective surfaces of buildings confuse birds, who perceive mirrored skies or vegetation as viable flight paths. At night, artificial lights disorient birds, drawing them into urban areas, especially in New York City, where they face increased risks. This problem is compounded by broader declines in bird populations across the continent. Factors such as habitat destruction, pesticide use, and climate change worsen the pressures on bird species, making it crucial to mitigate the preventable causes of the between 90,000 and 230,000 migratory bird deaths in New York City (NYC Bird Alliance). 

Migratory birds are not just beautiful; they are vital to ecosystems. Birds control insect populations, pollinate our native plants (e.g., vernonia noveboracensis, also known as New York ironweed), and disperse seeds, playing a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity (NYC Parks). Their decline signals broader environmental health issues, often linked to human activities. As Dr. Ken Rosenberg of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology notes, these losses go beyond birdwatching: “Because birds are highly visible and sensitive indicators of environmental health, we know their loss signals a much wider loss of biodiversity and threats to human health and well-being” (Cornell Chronicle, 2022). Moreover, protecting birds aligns with global conservation goals, including mitigating climate change. Forests and other habitats sustained by bird activity act as carbon sinks, reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Ensuring the survival of bird populations benefits both the wildlife and humanity within New York City’s parks, green roofs, and gardens.

Figure 2

Willow-Leaved Sunflowers and Ironweed Plants at the Pollinator Garden in Calvert Vaux Park

Note. From Pollinator Place Gardens, NYC Parks (https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/pollinator-place-gardens). 

Reversing these trends requires a multi-faceted approach, involving individuals, communities, and policymakers. Here are some steps every New Yorker can take to help reduce the deaths of these migratory birds:

• Installing bird-safe glass and using decals or films to break up reflections to significantly reduce collisions. Cities like Toronto and San Francisco have adopted bird-friendly building codes, such as Section 139 of San Francisco’s Planning Code, which states  that “buildings covered by the law must use bird-friendly glazing treatments identified and approved by the city, including: “fritting, netting, permanent stencils, frosted glass, exterior screens, physical grids placed on the exterior of glazing or UV patterns visible to birds” (Barges & Morris, 2023). Policies as such demonstrate that these changes are both feasible and effective.
• Programs like “Lights Out” created by National Audubon Society, a non-profit aiming to protect birds and their habitats, encourage building owners to dim or turn off lights during migration seasons (spring: March to June, and fall: August to November). This simple yet impactful measure can save thousands of birds annually. As cities embrace sustainability, reducing unnecessary lighting aligns with energy-saving initiatives as well.
• Advocating for policies such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act – supports state, tribal, private, and national efforts to recover wildlife already identified as threatened or endangered, providing up to $1.4 billion annually so they can implement their federally-approved Wildlife Action Plans – because they can prioritize and fund large-scale efforts to protect bird habitats and reduce threats (National Wildlife Federation). 
• Citizen science programs, such as the Audubon Society’s bird counts, allow individuals to contribute data that informs conservation strategies. Additionally, urban greening projects, such as planting native vegetation, provide safe resting spots for migratory birds.
• Everyday decisions, like keeping cats indoors (considering “cats are invasive species that kill birds, reptiles, and other wildlife; despite being fed, they will kill wild birds and other animals by instinct”), avoiding pesticides, and supporting sustainable products (e.g., shade-grown coffee), also contribute to protecting bird populations (NYC Bird Alliance).

Figure 3

Each Year, Domestic Cats Kill Approximately 2.4 Billion Birds in the U.S.

Note. From Keep Cats Indoors, Photo by Ivan Radic, NYC Bird Alliance (https://nycbirdalliance.org/take-action/make-nyc-bird-friendly/keep-cats-indoors). CC BY 2.0

The loss of bird species is a “death by a thousand cuts” scenario, but every small change can make a difference. As the Cornell Lab emphasizes, this is a critical moment for conservationists, policymakers, and everyday citizens to unite in addressing this crisis. New York City, as a hub for bird migration, has a unique opportunity to lead by example, showcasing how urban spaces can coexist with nature. By protecting migratory birds, we preserve not only the beauty and biodiversity of our planet but also the intricate ecological systems that sustain all life. The time to act is now, before the silence of their absence becomes irreversible. 

References

Axelson, G. (2019, September 19). Vanishing: More Than 1 In 4 Birds Has Disappeared In The Last 50 Years. All About Birds. www.allaboutbirds.org/news/vanishing-1-in-4-birds-gone/?__hstc=161696355.6918464d158dc99993a16d7c59d24643.1732028788251.1732028788251.1732028788251.1&__hssc=161696355.1.1732028788251&__hsfp=33.

Barges, M., & Morris, V. (2023, August). Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy. American Bird Conservancy. static1.squarespace.com/static/5bbd32d6e66669016a6af7e2/t/64de22e3a2ada630d505bbfb/1692279531414/Excerpt+2023+Bird+Friendly+City+Report+SF+Case+Study.pdf.

Birding In Manhattan (n.d.). NYC Bird Alliance. nycbirdalliance.org/events-birding/birding-resources/birding-in-nyc/birding-in-manhattan.

Global Bird Populations Steadily Decline (2022, May 5). Cornell Chronicle. news.cornell.edu/stories/2022/05/global-bird-populations-steadily-decline.

Keep Cats Indoors (n.d.). NYC Bird Alliance. nycbirdalliance.org/take-action/make-nyc-bird-friendly/keep-cats-indoors.

Pollinator Place Gardens (n.d.). NYC Parks. www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/pollinator-place-gardens.

Project Safe Flight: Helping Birds Migrate Safely Through New York City (n.d.). NYC Bird Alliance. nycbirdalliance.org/our-work/conservation/project-safe-flight

Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (n.d.). National Wildlife Federation. www.nwf.org/Our-Work/Wildlife-Conservation/Policy/Recovering-Americas-Wildlife-Act