
Tropical Mockingbird, Hopkins, Belize. 2014, Stephen A. Fuqua.
The general problem, succinctly stated:
As human-dominated land uses replace native landscapes across
North America, there is growing concern about the impacts this
habitat loss will have on native bird populations. With many
migratory bird species in decline, it is essential to assess
the effectiveness of our conservation initiatives [1].
Of course, this applies around the world, not just in North America.
There are hundreds of organizations and researchers working to
understand the characteristics of current bird populations, and our
impact on sustaining and growing those populations. The need for this
work grows ever more pressing for those who recognize the value
of maintaining diverse and vibrant ecosystems, especially in light
of climate change [2].