For migrating birds, cities are a trap

Artificial light sources are luring birds into cities during their migrations. Researchers recently found artificial light is a top indicator of where birds will stop over. In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers used weather data to determine bird density at stopover sites in the U.S. Out of 49 predictors of stopover density, elevation was number one and artificial light was the second highest predictor. That’s a problem, since the source of the light is often buildings that can lead to collisions. In addition, cities have less habitat and food, and more people and cats, which can cause problems for birds. “These stopover locations are the fueling stations,” said Kyle Horton, an assistant professor in Colorado State University’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. “If you’re on a cross-country trip and there’s no fueling stations, then you’re stranded. If they don’t have a good spot to rebuild energy supplies, migration can’t happen.” Out of 49, predictors.

Read more at Colorado State University and check out the study in Nature Communications.