Audubon: Climate change threatens hundreds of bird species

A new report from a bird advocacy group paints a stark picture of the future of North America’s birds, predicting that nearly half of the species living on the continent would lose significant parts of their habitats by 2080.

Changed climate and weather patterns will threaten well-known birds like the bald eagle, common loon, Baltimore oriole and brown pelican, the report said.

{mosads}The report, published Tuesday, by the Audubon Society estimated that climate change would push 126 species out of their habitats by 2050. Another 188 species will lose their habitats by 2080, but researchers think some of those birds might be able to resettle.

North America has about 750 bird species.

“It’s a punch in the gut. The greatest threat our birds face today is global warming,” Audubon Chief Scientist Gary Langham said in a statement.

“That’s our unequivocal conclusion after seven years of painstakingly careful and thorough research,” he said. “Global warming threatens the basic fabric of life on which birds — and the rest of us — depend, and we have to act quickly and decisively if we are going to avoid catastrophe for them and for us.”

The report was based on decades of climate research, combined with tens of thousands of bird observations, including data from Audubon and the federal government.

Audubon drills down into specifics for many species included in the report. The common loon, for example, would likely be unabe to breed in the 48 contiguous states by 2080, and hot weather would push the Baltimore oriole north of the mid-Atlantic region.

The group said its report also serves as a “road map” to help save important bird species. While protecting birds’ habitats is a major piece of the solution, Audubon said fighting to mitigate climate change should also be a priority.

“The prospect of such staggering loss is horrific, but we can build a bridge to the future for America’s birds,” David Yarnold, Audubon’s president, said in a statement. “Millions of people across the country will take this threat personally because birds matter to them.”

The study was funded by the Fish and Wildlife Service.