Evidence of change (bird ecology)

Abstract

Birds are easily observed, and changes in their behavior and migration patterns are some of the best-documented changes in the animal world, making them indicators of Earth’s climate change. Evidence for the role of climate change comes from studies that have shown a correlation between population growth and temperature during the breeding season for many bird species. Biotic factors like abundance of food, predators, competitors, or pathogens are the primary impacts on birds, but evidence shows that extreme weather conditions also may have direct effects on bird mortality and breeding success. The timing of bird migration is subject to change due to environmental factors, particularly rising temperatures caused by climate change. Evidence shows that the majority of bird species are advancing the arrival time at breeding grounds. For insect-feeding birds, early breeding is dependent on the availability of food insects, which in turn depends on early leafing and flowering of plants. The earlier onset of breeding can also lead to a longer breeding period and larger clutch sizes, but severe weather events can pose a threat to breeding success. Sexual selection and morphological traits also show evidence of climate change impacts. In conclusion it can be said that birds are reliable indicators for climate change and other environmental shifts. They have a high capacity to adapt to changing environments, but there are nevertheless conservation concerns surrounding the impact of rapid environmental and climatic changes on bird populations. Some bird species are likely to face challenges and could face extinction. Therefore, it is important to observe how birds respond to environmental shifts to understand the impacts on ecosystems and other organisms. Birds are ideal indicators of future environmental changes due to their global presence and cultural interest.