Top 20 Common Birds in Decline

It should not be surprising that the decline of most bird species may be attributed to changes in their habitat. These changes may include human-related causes such as increased farming, urban sprawl, industrial development, logging, drilling and mining. Global warming is to blame for earlier springtimes that can impact the mating habits of birds. Fires are additionally potential causes for the decreased populations of some bird species. Whatever the reason, many populations are on a downward slope.

Here is a list from the National Audubon Society of the top 20 common birds in decline:

1. American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
2. Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)
3. Boreal Chickadee (Parus hudsonicus)
4. Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
5. Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
6. Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
7. Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina)
8. Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)
9. Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)
10. Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
11. Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris)
12. Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)
13. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
14. Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
15. Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)
16. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
17. Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
18. Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
19. Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
20. Whip-Poor-Will (Caprimulgus vociferus)

To see the full profile of each species, including pictures and sounds, and to learn how you can help, visit the National Audubon Society's website.

Source:
National Audubon Society