Key messages.

Whether in the city or the countryside, all communities can support migratory birds by adopting bird-friendly practices. These include creating healthy habitats, implementing effective anti-collision measures, reducing pollution, and providing ample food sources for birds.

Urban expansion can lead to habitat loss if not well planned, and cause a decline in bird nesting and feeding areas, food sources and shelter, jeopardizing the survival of migratory birds.

Non-native species such as domestic cats and non-native plants, disrupt ecosystems by introducing new predators and competition for resources that birds need to survive.

Fatal collisions with buildings and glass are worsened by light pollution from city structures, reflections that confuse birds, and large frameless building designs. Weather conditions like fog and rain can reduce birds' visibility of urban structures, raising the risk of collisions with buildings that aren't designed to be bird-friendly.

We can work together to improve the safety of our cities and communities for birds. By collaborating with neighbors, schools, and local organizations, we can educate our communities about migrating birds. This knowledge and collaboration helps create and restore habitats that meet the needs of birds in order to protect them.

Sustainable city planning prevents urban sprawl and creates interconnected green and blue spaces that provide essential habitats for migratory birds to nest, refuel and find shelter. It is important not only to enhance existing cities but also to prioritize proactive strategies for developing sustainable urban environments from the ground up.

Global cooperation and collaboration are essential. Just as birds migrate across borders, we need to work together internationally and create safe stopover spots along their routes, which traverse countries, borders, mountains, deserts, cities, farms, and seas.

We need to bring nature back into our cities and communities by reintroducing native plants and by adapting development to better support natural environments. Human activities and artificial landscapes contribute to biodiversity loss and the decline of migratory bird populations, which ultimately harms our ecosystem and ourselves.

We all have a part to play in supporting migratory birds! Whether it’s reducing pesticides at home or working with policymakers and city planners, we can all get involved and promote bird Conservation together.