World Migratory Bird Day is a celebration that highlights the extraordinary determination and courage of bird travelers. These small creatures cover thousands of kilometers, facing countless obstacles along their journey—from the effects of climate change to habitat loss and direct threats from humans. Celebrated twice a year, in May and October, this day has a dual significance: it symbolizes the birds’ return to the Northern Hemisphere and their migration to the South. It serves as a reminder that migration is a life cycle that knows no boundaries or barriers, and it is our responsibility to protect their routes and the environment we share.
Bird and insect celebration
Migratory birds play a crucial role in ecosystems. Their migrations help in seed dispersal, plant pollination, and population control of insects. In many parts of the world, birds also serve as indicators of environmental health. If bird populations decline, it may signal that something is wrong with a particular ecosystem. Protecting them is not only a matter of biodiversity conservation but also of ensuring the health of the planet.
In 2024, World Migratory Bird Day focuses on often overlooked but essential ecosystem heroes—insects. These tiny organisms are not only a primary food source for many migratory bird species but also play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance. As insect populations dramatically decline worldwide, there are serious concerns about the future of migratory birds. The decreasing number of insects threatens their survival and poses a danger to the health of ecosystems that support entire food chains. This year, the celebration of bird migration emphasizes the urgent need for action to protect insects—the true energy providers for our feathered travelers.
Protect the insects
Insects play a key role in the lives of migratory birds, being one of their main sources of food. During migration, birds need enormous amounts of energy to cover thousands of kilometers, and insects provide them with essential nutrients.
Especially in spring, when birds return to breeding grounds, the availability of insects allows them to quickly regain strength after their exhausting journey and start the reproduction process. Beetles, mosquitoes, and butterflies are easily accessible food, especially for young birds learning to hunt for these small creatures.
Insects are not just fuel powering migratory birds on their long journeys. They are like superfood for feathered travelers—full of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support their health and fitness. Some insects provide birds with key nutrients such as protein, calcium, and iron, which strengthen their immune systems. During migration, when birds face stress, climate change, and challenging weather conditions, a proper diet rich in insects helps them not only survive but also avoid exhaustion and illness.
The food chain
Insects are also a vital element of the food chain. In natural environments like forests, meadows, and wetlands, insects serve as plant pollinators, contributing to maintaining biodiversity and seed production, which also feeds birds.
A lack of access to sufficient food, caused by habitat destruction or pesticide use, can seriously weaken the condition of feathered travelers. As urbanization progresses and intensive agriculture expands, places like natural forests and meadows are transformed or polluted, leading to a decline in insect populations that migratory birds depend on.
Protecting insects, including reducing the use of chemical pesticides, is thus crucial not only for them but also for the survival of many migratory bird species. Insects significantly affect the duration and ultimate success of bird migrations. Disrupting or even halting the continuity of an insect species in breeding grounds or along migratory routes poses a serious threat to bird survival.
Time for action, not words
This year’s campaign message for World Migratory Bird Day is not just an occasion to celebrate, but primarily a call to continue and intensify global efforts. It raises awareness of the need to take concrete, proactive protective measures, such as limiting the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and promoting the spread of ecological farming.
It is also important to maintain and connect areas of natural vegetation that are essential for providing food and shelter for birds. The campaign educates and raises awareness about the threats to birds and insects. Remember—protecting birds means protecting the future of our planet.