World Migratory Bird Day 2024
Protect Insects, Protect Birds
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is the Partner in Flight‘s keystone education program. It is an annual global campaign celebrating birds’ migration across countries and continents. Created in 1993, it connects people to the phenomenon of bird migrations through on-the-ground events, programs, and festivals. The changing annual conservation theme serves as a call to action for protecting birds by sharing information about the threats to birds and the simple actions people can take to help protect birds. Environment coordinates WMBD for the Americas in collaboration with partners and sponsors across the globe.
The 2024 World Migratory Bird Day theme is Insects. Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species. The timing of bird migration often coincides with peak insect abundance at stopover locations, supplying nourishment for birds to replenish their energy reserves before continuing their journeys.
Unfortunately, insect populations are declining globally, affecting many bird species. Intensive agriculture and urban development lead to habitat loss, harming insect populations. Habitat fragmentation through paving and infrastructure makes it harder for insects to find homes and resources and reproduce. Pesticides and herbicides designed to protect crops harm insects. All of this leads to a scarcity of energy- and protein-rich insects, hindering bird migration and breeding, weakening immune systems, reduced reproductive success, and increased mortality rates for both adult birds and their offspring. Birds also play crucial roles in pollination and pest control, and a lack of insects disrupts these ecosystems’ functions. Moreover, overpopulation of certain insects, without natural predators from birds, can cause outbreaks that damage plant health and agriculture.
Throughout the year, we will stress the need for proactive conservation measures that help increase insect populations. Learn more about this year’s featured birds and insects at World Migratory Bird Day and how you can get involved.