Birds are sensitive to environmental changes, such as habitat loss and pollution, and can be used as an indicator of ecosystem health. While bird populations fluctuate naturally, rapid declines can signal the need for urgent conservation action. The indicator tracks the average population trends of various groups of native Canadian bird species. Results
Note: This analysis is based on 342 species for which adequate monitoring data were available. Of the 342 species, 17 species are included in more than 1 species group based on their feeding or habitat requirements. For example, species grouped in the aerial insectivores feeding behaviour category may also be included in the habitat grouping forest birds. Data for shorebirds and seabirds were available beginning in 1974 and 1984, respectively.Source: North American Bird Conservation Initiative Canada (2019) State of Canadas Birds 2019.
Since 1970, 3 groups (shorebirds, grassland birds and aerial insectivores) have showed large declines. Indeed, aerial insectivores along with grassland birds represent the majority (80%) of birds recently assessed as endangered or threatened in Canada.Footnote 1 Aerial insectivores, such as swallows, are birds that feed by catching insects in the air. This group has declined more rapidly (59% decrease) than any other group. Canadian grasslands have lost 57% of bird populations, or 300 million birds since 1970. Grassland birds that depend solely on native grasslands for breeding and wintering declined by 87%, while those that can tolerate planted crops and grasses declined by 39%. Canadian shorebird populations have declined by 40%, with long-distance migrants declining more steeply (52% decrease) than short-distance migrants (23% decrease).Footnote 1
Bird populations fluctuate naturally in response to ecological conditions, but negative changes in bird populations reflect the overall effect of many different factors. Some of these factors include habitat loss and disturbance, pollution, agricultural impacts, climate change, invasive species, unsustainable hunting and declines in insects, as well as other sources of direct mortality, such as collisions with windows and cat predation. These factors act both here in Canada and internationally, in countries where Canadian birds migrate and spend the winter.
Waterfowl and birds of prey are the only 2 groups that show large increases relative to 1970. Both groups are recovering from historically low numbers. Waterfowl populations have increased by 150% due to wetland habitat protection and restoration, careful hunting management and increased waste grain in agricultural areas. The birds of prey group has increased by 110%, thanks in part to the creation of endangered species legislation and policies banning the use of the chemical pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT).
Each species group includes both decreasing and increasing species. Changes in bird populations can also be viewed as the percentage of species whose populations are increasing, decreasing or showing little to moderate change.
Note: [A] Indicates a species that is listed in more than 1 species group. [B] The total is the sum of all individual species. n/a = not applicable.
Note: This analysis is based on 342 species for which adequate monitoring data were available. Of the 342 species, 17 species are included in more than 1 species group based on their feeding or habitat requirements. For example, species grouped in the aerial insectivores feeding behaviour category may also be included in the habitat grouping forest birds. A stable status indicates little to moderate change in population status between 1970 and 2016, with the exception of shorebirds and seabirds where data were available beginning in 1974 and 1984, respectively.Source: North American Bird Conservation Initiative Canada (2019) State of Canadas Birds 2019 Supplementary data.
Waterfowl and birds of prey are the 2 species groups with the greatest proportion of species increasing (73% and 71%, respectively). Aerial insectivores, grassland birds and shorebirds are the 3 species groups with the greatest proportion of species decreasing (81%, 68% and 66%, respectively). About the indicator
Why this indicator is important
Birds are important to Canadians. By distributing seeds, pollinating plants, regulating insect and rodent populations, and performing other vital tasks for the health of ecosystems, birds contribute to the environment. These ecosystem services contribute to our economy and our well-being. A popular pastime in Canada is bird watching, and millions of people feed birds in their backyards. Waterfowl hunting contributes to tourism, provides food and maintains traditions.
Birds can be used as an indicator of the health of ecosystems and the level of biodiversity because they are sensitive to changes in their environment. Many long-term monitoring programs exist because the majority of bird species are also easily detected and observed. These programs provide data on population change dating back to the 1970s (or, in some cases, even earlier) Monitoring Canada’s bird population can aid in determining the effects of these changes, as well as in establishing priorities, assessing management strategies, and monitoring the recovery of vulnerable species.
The Migratory Birds Convention Act’s population status of Canada’s migratory birds indicator offers an overview of the overall condition of the country’s listed bird species.
Before a species reaches a critical condition, the General Status of Wild Species Indicator can identify early warning indicators of trouble and report extinction risks across a wide range of species.
The indicator for population and distribution trends of species at risk that are listed under the Species at Risk Act indicates whether or not these trends are consistent with recovery or management goals.
The global trends in bird species survival indicator shows how the state of bird biodiversity is changing globally and gives an estimate of the cumulative extinction risk over time. Data sources and methods.
Plovers and lapwings edit Killdeer
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. These are compact, small to medium-sized birds with long, usually pointed wings, short, thick necks, and compact bodies. They live in open areas across the globe, primarily in habitats that are close to water.
Rails, gallinules, and coots edit King rail
Rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules are among the many small to medium-sized birds that make up the Rallidae family. Family members usually live in thick vegetation in moist areas close to rivers, lakes, and swamps. They are typically reticent and solitary birds, which makes them challenging to watch. Strong legs and long toes make most species well-suited to soft, uneven surfaces. They typically fly poorly and have short, rounded wings.