An astonishing 96 percent of all terrestrial North American bird species rely on insects for at least part of their diets at some point throughout the life cycle. They are especially important for young migratory birds: a steady diet of protein-rich insects like caterpillars helps them grow quickly and fuel up for migration.
Unfortunately, insects are in a state of freefall. Species diversity, abundance, and biomass (the measurement of the weight of organisms in a given area or by volume) are all declining. While much attention is focused on the decline of honey bees and Monarch butterflies, insect species across the board are struggling. And if insects are struggling, the birds that rely on them are, too.
The conditions that are leading to insect declines are also affecting birds both directly and indirectly. Habitat loss is the main culprit: without quality habitat, neither birds nor insects can thrive. Pesticide use unleashes harmful chemicals into the environment that destroy plants and insects and can poison birds. In both cases, the challenges can be compounded for birds, who suffer not only from the direct effects but from the secondary effects of the loss of their food sources, as well.
Just as many of the challenges facing insects are also facing birds, many of the positive actions we take to help either group will benefit both. What’s good for insects is also good for birds!
Here are some actions to get started: abcbirds.org/whats-good-for-i...