We used to hear the songs of happy birds and see them flying around our neighborhoods. As children, we're able to identify various birds. Unfortunately, many of these birds are disappearing. Let's look at 15 birds used to see and see why they're disappearing.

Eastern Meadowlark

The Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella Magna) has a nice whistling song and a yellow belly and has seen a huge decline because of lost habitat. These grassland birds are losing open areas that they need to thrive as farmland is turned into urban development.

Bobolink

Bobolinks used to be common in hayfields but are now rarer because of changes to agriculture. Mowing hayfields more frequently and earlier disrupts Bobolink nesting and causes the migratory birds to be less successful in having broods.

Northern Bobwhite

The Northern Bobwhite, a small quail and a charismatic caller, is experiencing a drastic decline in their population. The fragmentation of their habitats and increased intensity of agriculture have diminished the protective cover that the Bobwhite depend on for protection from their predators.

Cerulean Warbler

The sky-blue warblers used to represent the brightness of summer. However, because of deforestation issues in both North American and South American, their habitats are disappearing. The conservation efforts have been focused on keeping their mature forest breeding habits.

Ruffed Grouse

The Ruffed Grouse is known for its impressive drumming display, but has seen its habitat decline as suburban areas spread, and forest management goes through changes. The loss of forests in the younger age classes has been especially bad for their breeding success.

Evening Grosbeak

Once frequent visitors to backyard feeders, Evening Grosbeaks have seen a dramatic decline in their population. The primary cause of the decline is due to forest pest management practices combined with the decline of their main food sources.

Whip-poor-will

The once familiar call of the whip-poor-will is becoming silent. Due to habitat loss and a decreasing food supply (insects), the whip-poor-will is quickly disappearing.

Bank Swallow

The Bank Swallow nests in sandy riverbanks, and construction and riverbank stabilization activities pose a growing threat to their nesting sites. As their habitats become more limited, their populations decline rapidly.

Barn Owl

Because of habitat destruction and the use of rodenticides, the Barn Owl, with its heart-shaped face, is struggling. Conservation efforts in protecting their nesting sites and reducing rodenticides would provide a pathway for their survival.

Chimney Swift

Due to the capping and demolition of old chimneys, Chimney Swifts are losing nesting sites. To alleviate the loss, the population of Chimney Swifts can be supported by the restoration of their habitats and the construction of chimneys swift towers.

Common Nighthawk

The Common Nighthawk used to be common in all cities, infact they were widespread. They have become less common because of an increase of the loss of their habit and a decrease of their food source which is insects. Conservation methods focus on keeping open habitats and less use of pesticides.

Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrikes used to be frequent visitors to rural areas. Sadly, due to the loss and fragmentation of shrike habitats, their numbers have plummeted. It is getting harder to find open spaces and perches, both of which shrikes need to survive.

Red-headed Woodpecker

The spectacular Red-headed Woodpecker is experiencing population declines because of a lack of food and nesting sites. For their recovery, the conservation of deadwood and the management of their forest habitats are of extreme importance.

Bicknell’s Thrush

Bicknell's Thrush is an endangered species with a small breeding and wintering range. Climate change and habitat loss threaten this species. Some preservation efforts for this species are directed toward its breeding habitats located in high elevation forests.

American Kestrel

The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. Their numbers are decreasing because they are losing habitat and facing competition for nesting sites. With the urbanization of farmland, the Kestrel's hunting and breeding areas are diminished. Their population can increase again if we maintain open countryside and create nesting boxes.