How To Contribute To Protect the Birds That Live in Our Cities

According to the United Nations Environment Program and the World Conservation Monitoring Center, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Red List of Threatened Species, the most recent value for Colombia corresponds to the year 2018, when there were 126 threatened bird species in the country. 

There are around 10,000 species of birds in the world. Colombia has more than 1.900 registered bird species, according to the Humboldt Institute. That is why it is the number one country in the world for bird species. 

Of the more than 900,000 birds that live in the country, 90 are exclusively from Colombia. Approximately 275 species of those registered in Colombia are migratory birds, of which 10 are considered in danger of extinction according to the Ministry of the Environment.

According to the United Nations Environment Program and the World Conservation Monitoring Center, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Red List of Threatened Species, the most recent value for Colombia corresponds to the year 2018, when There were 126 threatened bird species in the country. 

Its capital city, Bogotá, has around 200 registered bird species, and it is vitally important to respond to the call for the protection of species and their ecosystems. The Colombian Ministry of the Environment has issued a warning to protect the following: Apolinar's wren, Bogotá rail, Larks, Spot-flanked gallinule, and Doradito Tropical. Of those mentioned, the number of registered is decreasing, for example from La Cucarachera there are only 20 individuals left in Bogotá.

It is worth mentioning that Andean Grebe and Piojito Flycatcher are already extinct species. Some of the worst threats that birds are experiencing today are human actions, climate change, and biological changes that have impacted their habitat.

There are several ways we can all help birds and strengthen their conservation. Let's explore some of the basics:

1. Prevention of Window Collisions

Collisions with glass are a threat to birds since they cannot know if there is a window, they see differently from humans. Glass kills approximately 1 billion birds in the US alone each year. These deaths can be prevented by covering the outside of windows with solar collectors.

2. Keep Cats Indoors

Cats are bird hunters and putting a bell around a cat's neck is not enough to warn and protect birds. 

Also read: CLIMATE ACTIVISM, IN THE VOICE OF THE NEW GENERATIONS

3. Safely Dispose of Six-Pack Holders and Plastic Bags

Some birds can be injured if their heads get caught in the six-pack holders or plastic ties. This can be prevented by cutting the loops with scissors before disposing, as well as by tying knots in plastic bags before disposing.

4. Build a Habitat for Birds at Home

Habitat loss continues to be a threat to birds, affecting both common and rare species. To compensate for the loss of habitat, you can create a habitat for birds by landscaping with native plants in your backyard or deck.

5. Becoming a City Scientist at Home

National Geographic has encouraged this initiative which consists of identifying and counting the birds that arrive at your house feeder and transmitting this data online. In this way, the data can become part of a huge database that is useful to scientists and conservationists working to protect birds. 

6. Slow Down When Driving

Cars kill many birds every year. If a bird gets in your way, it's easier to respond at low speeds.

7. Avoid Chemicals

Birds can accidentally ingest pesticides and prey that have already been poisoned, this can kill them or cause effects on their health. 

8. Reduce Energy Consumption

Biking or walking reduces your carbon footprint and helps prevent pollution of bird habitats.