Oct. 12 is World Migratory Bird Day, focusing on insects' importance

World Migratory Bird Day 2024 (WMBD) focuses on an emerging ecological crisis with the theme "Protect Insects, Protect Birds." The campaign calls for action to protect both migratory birds and the insects they depend on amidst the alarming global decline in insect populations. 

World Migratory Bird Day is a global initiative educating people about migratory birds and promoting conservation efforts for their journeys across borders. This campaign is organized globally by several organizations, including Environment for the Americas (EFTA), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), and the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP). 

A 2020 study published in Science magazine reveals that we are losing approximately 9 percent of the world's terrestrial insect population every decade. Insectivorous migratory birds, including swallows, raptors, and waterbirds, depend on insects and their larvae as crucial food sources during their lengthy migrations, breeding seasons, and while feeding their young. Many of these birds time their migrations to coincide with peaks in insect abundance. As insect populations—estimated to comprise two-thirds of all terrestrial species—decline, these birds face diminishing food availability, which adversely affects their survival and reproductive success. 

World Migratory Bird Day partner, CMS, has also conducted the first study of its kind on insect decline and its implications for migratory species. The report, titled Insect Decline and its Threat to Migratory Insectivorous Animal Populations, highlights that the decline in insect populations is contributing to the population losses of numerous migratory insectivorous species, particularly those that depend on insects as their primary food source. 

World Migratory Bird Day 2024 is working to raise awareness through international events and actions such as creating protective laws, planting native gardens, reducing pesticides, preventing habitat destruction, educating communities, and supporting global conservation efforts. 

World Migratory Bird Day 2024 

World Migratory Bird Day is a global campaign that serves as a call to action for conservation efforts for migratory birds and their journeys across borders. It raises awareness about the challenges birds face and encourages conservation actions worldwide. 

Celebrated on two days each year (in both May and October) to reflect the cyclical nature of bird migration and the varying peak migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres, World Migratory Bird Day triggers hundreds of educational events around the world, united by their common goal of raising awareness and advocating for international bird protection. 

Each year the campaign features a central theme, prompts action, and coordinates global efforts to safeguard migratory birds and their habitats. 

Some examples of actions being encouraged through this year’s campaign include: 

• Creating laws and regulations to protect insects and migratory birds. 
• Planting native gardens to create suitable habitats for wildlife. 
• Selecting organic products, thereby avoiding harmful pesticides. 
• Reducing habitat destruction linked to property development or landscaping practice. 
• Educating friends and family about the important role insects play in our ecosystem. 
• Supporting educational efforts aimed at insect conservation, including promoting their conservation at the community level. 
• Encouraging local to global action to maintain and restore natural habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife.