Hotspots of accelerated North American bird decline linked to agricultural activity

Phys.org

February 26, 2026

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Bird populations across North America are declining at an accelerated rate in three key regions: the Midwest, California, and the Mid-Atlantic states. A recent study published in *Science* reveals that the pace of loss has sped up since the mid-1980s, particularly tied to agricultural activities. This concerning trend underscores the growing pressure on bird species due to habitat destruction, pesticide use, and other human-driven factors. Previous research had already documented declining bird populations across North America, but this new study is the first to specifically highlight the speeding up of these losses in three distinct regions. The Midwest, known for its intensive agriculture, has seen particularly sharp declines in grassland birds like the bobwhite quail. Similarly, California's Central Valley, a critical stopover for migratory birds, has experienced significant habitat loss due to farming expansion and urbanization. The Mid-Atlantic region, with its mix of farmland and wetlands, is also seeing rapid bird population drops, particularly among species dependent on these habitats. The study analyzed data spanning over four decades, tracking the populations of 140 bird species in these regions. It found that the rate of decline has doubled or even tripled since the mid-1980s in some areas. This acceleration align

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Originally published on Phys.org on 2/26/2026