Some of America’s most common birds — including many in Colorado — are experiencing dramatic population declines, mostly as a result of agricultural and development pressures, according to a report by the National Audubon Society.
The study notes that “these threats are now compounded by new and broader problems including the escalating effects of global warming. In concert, they paint a challenging picture for the future of many common species and send a serious warning about our increasing toll on local habitats and the environment itself.”
Horned lark. Photo by George Jameson.Species on the list of Audubon’s “20 Common Birds” have shown population declines of at least 54 percent since 1967.
Many of the birds in decline are favorites of bird watchers and the backyard bird feeder. Species frequenting Colorado that have shown dramatic declines include:
