It was one particular pesticide, DDT, that helped spark the modern environmental movement in the U.S. Sprayed on crops to prevent insect infestations, DDT became most famous for its effects on birds like the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle. The long-lasting chemical lingered in the environment and traveled up the food chain to birds of prey, weakening their eggshells and setting once common species on the path toward extinction. Impacted species began the slow road to recovery once public pressure led to DDT being banned, the EPA being established, and conservation programs developing in earnest.
Today, neonicotinoids and other synthetic chemicals pose a major threat to birds. These agricultural pesticides are intended to be powerful and long-lasting. They live up to that promise, easily entering waterways and soil, where they get taken up by the roots of plants or impact aquatic organisms essential for bird life. A single neonicotinoid-coated seed is potent enough to kill a songbird. When raptors ingest prey poisoned with rodenticide, it accumulates over time in their systems. They become weak and sluggish, and are prone to seizures and kidney failure, often resulting in death.
The threat from toxins doesn’t come solely from pesticides. Birds can develop severe neurological problems and even die when they consume prey that has been killed using ammunition made with lead.
We are working to mitigate the challenges that pesticides and toxins pose for birds. Working at the state and federal level, we research the effects of pesticides on birds, develop programs to curb potential harm from pesticides, and engage communities in our advocacy for laws and regulations that benefit birds.
ABC works to reduce the numerous threats birds face from harmful pesticides and toxins through research, policy change, and community engagement. We help people switch to using bird-friendly alternatives to managing pests and advocate for effective policies that restrict the use of dangerous pesticides.
We’re building a movement to put unnecessary use of toxic pesticides to rest. Together we can work toward a future in which birds, plants, and insects thrive.
