World Migratory Bird Day

Statement by Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) .

Statement by Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The White Stork migrates from northern Europe to central Africa. It lives near slow-moving streams, ponds, and lakes, where it hunts a variety of prey, including insects, lizards, fish, birds, small rodents, and marsupials. During the breeding season, White Storks build large, wide nests using branches, grass, and vegetation . These nests are typically located in high places such as treetops, rooftops, schools, houses, or even on utility poles and communication towers . However, this puts them at risk of electrocution or injury from collisions with wires . In areas near rural or urban settings, they may mistakenly eat harmful waste like rubber bands or poisoned animals, especially near landfills or polluted streams, which can be fatal.

The Greylag Goose breeds in high mountain meadows across northern Western Europe and Siberia, migrating south to the Mediterranean, southern China, and eastern Asia during winter. It often uses agricultural fields like corn, sugarcane, or cereal crops, where it forms large, noisy flocks that can cause significant economic losses. Primarily vegetarian, it prefers wet grasslands rich in small tubers, seeds from floating pods, and soft plant parts . However, its stopover, breeding, and wintering sites are increasingly threatened by habitat loss , dredging of water bodies, and land conversion for monoculture farming or recreational use.

The Common Crane is a large bird with an impressive wingspan . Its migration patterns can be tracked by radar and even from aircraft, as they travel from breeding areas in northern Europe to as far south as Ethiopia. During migration, they mainly use rural areas like meadows, flooded grasslands, and permanent lakes . However, they can also be spotted in artificial ponds, sports fields, and open urban parks where they rest. Hunting is a concern where large flocks are targeted due to the crop damage they can cause. In agricultural areas and cities, Common Cranes are also at risk of collisions with power lines or wind turbines.

The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird in the world , reaching speeds of up to 380 km/h during flight. Known for its long migrations, this raptor has also adapted to urban environments, successfully nesting on man-made structures like skyscrapers, bridges, and nest boxes . In cities, it uses artificial light from stadiums, streets, and shopping malls to hunt at night. While typically considered a daytime hunter, peregrine falcons are often seen hunting in the early morning or late evening in brightly lit urban areas.