The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and Environment for the Americas (EFTA) have joined forces to strengthen global recognition and appreciation of migratory birds. This year the theme of World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World” and was chosen to highlight the importance of conserving and restoring the ecological connectivity and integrity of ecosystems that support the natural movements of migratoy birds and that are essential for their survival and well-being.

Ecological Connectivity and its importance

Connectivity is essential for migratory species, and important for a wide variety of ecological functions. It describes the natural and necessary movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth. With 1 million species facing the risk of extinction within our generation, connectivity has become a central topic for biodiversity and sustainability. Migratory species move across the globe, running, swimming, or in the case of birds flying, connecting countries, people and continents through their migration routes. This migration can only be accomplished when animals are able to access the different sites and habitats that they rely upon along their pathways. These pathways transcend national borders, national plans and conservation priorities of any single country. Migratory birds connect countries and their conservation requires cooperation between countries and across national boundaries.

Connectivity and Birds

The flyways used by migratory birds connect different habitats. Often, these long-haul flight paths cross inhospitable terrain, such as deserts and open seas. Suitable habitats for wintering, as stop-over,staging and breeding sites are crucial for the survival of these birds. The ecological connectivity of these sites is important to the survival of migratory birds, but this it is being threatened by habitat loss and degradation. The loss or degradation of a critical stop-over site for migratory birds can have a devastating effect on the survival chances of migratory birds and lead to a defragmentation that can have a devastating effect on populations. Other threats, such as poisoning, unsustainable use, collisions with man-made objects and climate change are also having a negative impact on migratory birds around the world.

World Migratory Bird Day 2020 will therefore help raise awareness on the importance of ecological connectivity for migratory birds and complement the efforts of CMS to promote ecological connectivity and functionality, international cooperation and the conservation of migratory species within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.

Habitat Issues

Unsustainable agricultural practices and infrastructural pressures are causing habitats of migratory species to shrink. Migratory birds rely on their natural habitats for food, shelter and nesting. With 1/3 of the Earth’s surface being used for agriculture, unsustainable farming becomes an impactful threat to the survival of migratory birds. Not only does it encroach on their food and shelter, but the use of pesticides can be dangerous, and sometimes fatal, for migratory birds. Furthermore, stop-over-sites have seen increased competition, especially where bird densities are high and food supplies have depleted. As stop over sites continue to be exposed to degradation and human expansion, this competition is likely to increase, harming migratory birds greatly.

Flight Path Issues

Collisions with artificial man-made structures have posed a threat to over 350 species of migratory birds, especially those flying at night. Structures made of glass and other reflective material can cause the death of more birds than almost any other human-related mortality factor. Increased building of wind turbines in flight paths (especially near wetlands), and expanded powerlines near sites where birds congregate have also resulted in high bird mortality rates.

What can be done to prevent the problem?

Migratory birds need a network of intact habitats along their entire migration routes to survive. Increased global action through multilateral environment treaties such as the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) is essential to protect migratory birds on their international journeys. Creating  protected trans-boundary habitat corridors would be of great benefit to migratory birds and other migratory wildlife, specifically at the landscape scale.

In addition, networks of critical sites key to migration need to be safeguarded and managed properly. Supporting Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), as described by BirdLife International, provides migratory birds with the necessary feeding, breeding, nesting and sheltering grounds that are needed during their long flights.

What can you do?

Make your garden bird-friendly! Include safe shelters and a bird bath. Make sure that food that is provided is bird-safe and does not cause malnutrition.

Pets are part of our lives, but they can have very negative impacts on birds. Keep an eye on your pets, and make sure any bird areas are out of reach for cats and dogs.

Tell others about the importance of protecting migratory birds and the habitats they need to survive. Write an article, give a presentation or organize an event to help raise awareness.

Download and use birding apps. Afterall, not only do Birds Connect Our World, but they also connect us as individuals. Together, a great deal can be accomplished.