World Migratory Bird Day

  The World Migratory Bird Day 2024 highlights Importance of Insects . Attachments: Press Release: WMBD 2024 - English Press Release: WMBD 2024 - French Press Release: WMBD 2024 - Spanish

  Activities for kids brought by the UNEP-CMS, BirdLife International, the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP), Environment for the Americas, the US Forest Services, the US National Parks; The Fish and Wildlife Department. Coloring pages and books offer psychological benefits for children, including enhancing mental health, boosting creativity, and providing a meditative and mindfulness experience. Plus, coloring is a great way to help children develop patience, focus, and social skills . Importance of Coloring: 8 Benefits for Kids - Creative Color Lab .

The most diverse group of organisms on the planet are in trouble,with most recent research suggesting insect population are declining at en unprecedented rate. It’s easy to think insects are doing OK. After all, they’re nearly everywhere — crawling through rainforest canopy, burrowing into soil, skimming freshwater ponds or, of course, flitting through the air. On the biological “tree of life” — which classifies organisms to describe their evolutionary and genetic relationship to one another — insects fall under the branch, or phylum, called Arthropods, one of the 40 branches of the Animal Kingdom. In terms of diversity, insects are unrivaled, representing two-thirds of the world’s more than 1.5 million documented animal species with millions more bugs likely still undiscovered, scientists say. By comparison, there are roughly 73,000 vertebrates, or animals with a backbone from humans to birds and fish — these represent less than 5% of the known Animal Kingdom, according to the Interna...

Many birds’ journeys coincide with peak insect abundance in their stopover areas. Participate to this year campaign ''Protect Insects,Protect Birds'' co-organized by the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) , the BirdLife International , the United Nations Biodiversity , the BTO British Trust for Ornithology , Environment for the Americas WWF .

Insects provide nutrition for migratory birds, Insect populations are declining globally , and this phenomenon is mirrored by a decrease in populations of birds that depend on these insects for their survival. This May 11th, let's focus on the importance of insects for migratory birds and learn how to Protect Insects, Protect Birds on World Migratory Bird Day 2024 ! In her video message, Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), calls for the urgent need for global action to safeguard both insects and migratory birds.

World Migratory Bird Day 2024 shines a spotlight on the relationship between migratory birds and insects amidst alarming declines for both. The celebration of the Day is a global campaign that educates and promotes conservation efforts for migratory birds and their journeys across borders. It raises awareness about the challenges birds face and encourages conservation actions worldwide. World Migratory Bird Day triggers hundreds of educational events around the world that are united by their common goal of raising awareness and advocating for international bird protection . Each year the campaign features a central theme, prompts action, and coordinates global efforts to safeguard migratory birds and their habitats. This year, we focus on the importance of insects for migratory birds . Present in almost all the world’s ecosystems, insects are essential food sources for migratory birds on their long journeys . Migratory birds often time their migrations to align with insect abundance....

  “Insect populations are declining globally, and this is affecting many insect-eating migratory birds. While further research is needed to understand the extent of the problem, the decline of insects in many parts of the world is already having significant impacts on a range of migratory insectivorous species, especially bird and bat species. This has also recently been underlined by a  CMS Report on Insects , presented at CMS COP14 in February 2024.” -  Amy Fraenkel , Executive Secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

  “Insects are key to the survival and breeding success of many migratory birds. These include some migratory waterbirds such as the Northern Bald Ibis and the Sociable Lapwing – both AEWA endangered species that are also featured on the global World Migratory Bird Day poster this year. Intensive use of pesticides is one of the main reasons for the decline of insect populations. By protecting insects, we protect our migratory birds.” -  Jacques Trouvilliez , Executive Secretary of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)

  “We cannot live without our six-legged friends, the insects. Outnumbering us humans, they may be small, scary, and often irritating, stinging and biting, but as a crucial part of the food chain, they are what our world relies on. They are especially important to birds, as they are nutritious, full of protein, and many rely solely on them for food. So, to keep our bird species alive, avoid pesticides, value mosquitoes, grow plants that flower, and spread the message - insects for life,” -  Jennifer George , Chief Executive at the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP)

  “This World Migratory Bird Day, we highlight the relationship between migratory birds and insects, emphasizing the urgent need to protect them both. From the aerobatics of Cliff Swallows that capture insects in flight, to hummingbirds that feed them to their young, and the foraging of shorebirds that probe for insects in the sand and other habitats, it is evident that many birds rely on insects at various stages of their life cycles. Insects provide an essential source of energy for migratory birds, and the steep declines in grasshoppers, bees, butterflies, and other insects are a stark reminder that the conservation of birds depends on the successful protection of their insect prey. We invite you to join us in taking action to Protect Insects to Protect Birds.” -  Susan Bonfield , Executive Director of Environment for the Americas (EFTA)

The World Migratory Bird Day 2024 campaign highlights the decline of insects important to many species of migratory birds.  Organizer: The  Convention on Migratory Species ,  BirdLife International , the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and the Environment for the Americas .