birds under threat

The American Tree Sparrow , a familiar sight on winter feeders across North America, is facing a surprising challenge. While their cheerful songs and streaky brown plumage were once a common delight, their populations have declined by roughly 50% in the last 50 years. This blog post will explore the reasons behind this decline and what we can do to help this feathered friend. Habitat Loss: A Shrinking Landscape The American Tree Sparrow thrives in shrub lands and weedy edges. Unfortunately, these habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate. Intensified agriculture with a focus on large, cleared fields removes the shrubby areas these birds rely on for wintering. Similarly, development and forest maturation eliminate these havens. Climate Change: A Looming Threat Climate change adds another layer of complexity. While the full impact is still being studied, models predict a shift in the American Tree Sparrow's suitable breeding habitat further north. This could force t...