By Peter Roos
Birds of many kinds are being threatened by tropical storms and hurricanes, whose increasingly destructive forces are having severe consequences on bird populations, migration patterns, and habitats.
Habitat Destruction
Strong winds, torrential rains, and flooding can strip trees of their leaves and fruits, decimate nesting grounds, and alter coastal landscapes where many species reside. Coastal birds like pelicans, terns, and sandpipers are especially vulnerable. Barrier islands, salt marshes, and mangroves, crucial to their survival, are often reshaped or submerged by storm surges.
Dr. Emily Thompson, a leading ornithologist, explains, “Many species of birds rely on specific ecosystems that hurricanes can obliterate in just hours. This can force them to abandon nests and flee to other areas, which can affect their breeding success for the year.”
Migration Disruptions
Birds that migrate long distances, such as warblers, hawks, and shorebirds, can be blown far off course during a hurricane. Storms can push them hundreds or even thousands of miles away from their intended destinations. This phenomenon, known as “hurricane displacement,” often leads to birds being found in unusual locations, sometimes far from their natural ranges. While some displaced birds manage to recover, many die from exhaustion, dehydration, or lack of food in unfamiliar territories.
“Migration is a delicate balance of timing, energy, and resources. When a hurricane disrupts this journey, birds may not have enough energy to reach their wintering grounds,” says ornithologist Michael Reyes. “This could lead to higher mortality rates, especially for species already facing threats like habitat loss and climate change.”
Food Shortages and Starvation
Hurricanes also create food shortages for birds by destroying the plants and insects they rely on for nourishment. The aftermath of a storm can leave birds in a barren landscape, devoid of fruits, seeds, and other natural food sources. For insectivorous birds, flooding often drowns insects, drastically reducing food availability.
In the days and weeks following a hurricane, many bird species experience extreme stress as they struggle to find enough to eat. According to research, this scarcity can have ripple effects, weakening birds’ immune systems and reducing their chances of surviving future challenges.
Long-term Impacts on Populations
The long-term consequences of hurricanes on bird populations are still being studied, but early evidence suggests that some species could experience declines in numbers. For example, migratory birds that are repeatedly displaced during their journeys may face challenges in re-establishing breeding populations. Additionally, resident birds that lose habitat may take years to recover, especially if their homes in fragile ecosystems are permanently altered.
“Some species are resilient, and others might adapt to new environments,” says Dr. Thompson. “However, more frequent and severe storms caused by climate change could have a cumulative impact, threatening the survival of many bird species.”
Conservation Efforts
In response to the growing threat of hurricanes, conservationists are focusing on habitat restoration and creating resilient landscapes that can withstand future storms. Coastal restoration projects, reforestation, and the protection of wetlands are critical steps toward helping bird populations recover.
Researchers are also working to track displaced birds using satellite tags and other technology to better understand how hurricanes are affecting migration. This data will be crucial in informing future conservation strategies and identifying species most at risk.
As hurricanes continue to grow stronger due to climate change, their impacts on birds are becoming more profound. From habitat destruction to migration disruption, birds face numerous challenges in the wake of these storms. Protecting vulnerable species and their habitats will be crucial in ensuring that avian populations can endure and thrive in an increasingly storm-prone world.
Audubon’s Birds of America is featured at the Museum of Fine Arts in downtown St. Petersburg through January 2025. Produced by National Museums Scotland, this exhibition celebrates the extraordinary legacy of John James Audubon (1785-1851). It tells the story of
this iconic artist, naturalist, and ornithologist, as well as the evolution of one of the world’s rarest, largest, and possibly most coveted books, The Birds of America.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary urgently needs supplies and donations for their hurricane disaster relief. Doate at Go Fund Me https://gofund.me/bf26cd52 or scan the QR code above. They are a nonprofit 501c organization in Indian Shores, who rescues, rehabilitates, and releases wild seabirds and other sea life. They are also home to hundreds of resident birds.
Their facility was destroyed by Hurricane Helene, which caused over $100,000 in damages and they need to rebuild as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of the birds and wildlife. Pinellas County was the worst county in Florida with flooding and destruction that came with the storm surge from Hurricane Helene. Consider donating whatever you can to help the cleanup and rebuilding efforts for the sanctuary. Follow them at @seaside4thebirds on Instagram, TikTok and www.facebook.com/SeasideSeabird for need updates. Feel free to drop off any supplies at the sanctuary if possible.