Threats to Birds

15 Lesser Known Threats to Birds
The largest and most destructive threats to birds are well known: habitat loss, climate change, feral cats, window collisions and large-scale pollution, but there is a wide range of lesser known threats that kill thousands of birds annually. Together, these small threats can present a big problem for all types of birds, and understanding what...

Invasive Predators
Can a rabbit be a threat to birds? Or a pig? Yes - and many other invasive predators are threats as well. Learn why, with tips for how you can help.

Hummingbird Predators
From bats to snakes to birds to fish, hummingbirds face many predators. Learning what predators threaten hummingbirds is the first step to protecting these tiny birds more effectively.

How Fishing Line Hurts Birds
Even a small piece of fishing line can hurt birds, from causing injuries or drowning to strangling ensnared birds. Learn how monofilament fishing line threatens birds and what you can do to minimize those threats.

Threats to Owls
Owls are stately birds, but they're not invulnerable. Learn about the threats owls face and what you can do to help these birds survive.

Threats to Penguins
Penguins are popular, but they are also at risk. Learn about the major threats to penguins, including how you can help keep penguins safe all over the world.

Threats to Vultures
Can anything hurt a vulture? These powerful birds actually face many threats, but if you know what threats vultures face, you can begin to help them survive.

How Balloons Hurt Birds
Letting a balloon float away may be fun, but it could be a death sentence for a bird. Learn how balloons are threats to wild birds and what you can do to help.

Threats to Hummingbirds
Though they are some of the smallest birds in the world, hummingbirds face big threats. Understanding the top threats to hummingbirds can help you learn how to help with hummingbird conservation.

How Fences Hurt Birds
Even a simple fence can be a complicated threat to birds. Learn what types of fencing are most dangerous and what birds are affected, including how you can help minimize how fences threaten birds.

Risks to Raptors
Descriptions of different threats to bird of prey populations, including what individuals can do to promote raptor conservation and minimize those threats.

Threats to Migrating Birds
Birds face many threats during migration, from loss of habitat to lack of food to predators to pollution and more. Understanding the hazards of migration can help birders learn how to best help all migrating birds.

How Dryer Lint Hurts Birds
Even offered with the best intentions, dryer lint can be harmful to nesting birds and their chicks - learn why.

Threats to Winter Birds
Winter is a hazardous season for birds and they face many threats. Learn about the risks birds face during the coldest months and how you can help them survive.

How Bird Feeders Threaten Birds
Are your bird feeders hurting birds? Learn about the different ways feeders threaten birds and how you can keep your feeders safe.

Threats to Summer Birds
Summer is a popular bird season, but it is also a hazardous one. Learn about the threats to summer birds and you will be able to help safeguard your favorite seasonal birds.

How Lead Affects Birds
Lead poisoning kills hundreds of birds each year, but where does the lead come from and what does it do to the birds? Once you answer these questions, you can take steps to stop lead poisoning in birds.

How Litter Hurts Birds
Even a small piece of litter can affect birds in big ways. Learn more about how litter affects birds and what you can do to help.

Outdoor Decorations Endanger Birds
Holiday lawn decorations can threaten birds in many ways, but savvy birders understand those threats and choose bird-friendly outdoor decorations that won't be a problem for backyard birds.

How Oil Affects Birds
Oil spills and pollution affect birds in many fatal ways, from damaging feathers to destroying habitats and killing food sources. Learn how oil affects birds, and how you can help keep birds clean and safe.

Causes of Bird Die-Offs
Bird die-offs can be disturbing and may seem like harbingers of greater environmental problems, but die-offs are more common than many birders realize and there are many reasons why dozens, hundreds or even thousands of birds may die at once. Understanding the causes of bird die-offs can help put these events into perspective and encourage...

Natural Disasters and Birds
Natural disasters can be devastating to wild birds in many ways, and understanding natrual hazards can prepare birders to help birds when nature gets nasty.

Threats to Spring Birds
Spring might seem like a great birding season, but it can be a dangerous one for every spring bird. Learn more about the spring threats birds face and what you can do to help.