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A Third of America's Bird Species in Trouble

Development sending large numbers of native species into decline

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 20, 2009 4:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Almost a third of America's bird species are in peril from habitat destruction and other threats, according to a federal report released yesterday. The study, which may spur the Obama administration to increase regulation in some areas to protect the animals, found that 67 of America's over 800 bird species are endangered and 184 more are threatened or in serious decline, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Hawaiian birds and ocean birds are most at risk, the report found, and energy development and urban sprawl are posing a serious threat to many grassland birds. The news wasn't all bad—a resurgence in wetland bird numbers attributed to conservation efforts was listed among the bright spots. The report urged that similar action be taken immediately to protect other birds..

[Images (3)]

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A California condor prepares for flight after being released from a condor recovery program in the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Southern California. (AP Photo/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service )

A minah bird surveys the scene from a palm leaf in Hawaii. A government report has found that many of Hawaii's bird species are in danger of extinction. (Shutter Stock)

Trumpeter swans fly past a pair of North Cascade peaks near Nooksack, Wash., late last year. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

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From shorebirds in New England to warblers in Michigan to songbirds in Hawaii, we are seeing disturbing downward population trends that should set off environmental
alarm bells. - Interior Secretary Ken Salazar

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A Third of America's Bird Species in Trouble