Pesticides Threaten Birds

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Pesticides are deadly to birds—both directly and indirectly: ​

• Birds can eat pesticide-coated seeds or contaminated insects.

• Even small exposures can cause reproductive harm, weaken immunity, or interfere with navigation and survival.

• Pesticides reduce insect populations, leaving less food for adult birds and nestlings.

• An estimated 72 million birds die each year in the U.S. from pesticide exposure.

 

The impacts aren’t always immediate—chemicals can accumulate in a bird’s body over time, leading to long-term health problems and population declines.

 

What You Can Do

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• Avoid using chemical pesticides in your yard, garden, or community.

• Choose organic, bird-safe alternatives for pest management.

• Support local and national initiatives that reduce pesticide use and protect wildlife.

• Learn more about protecting birds from pesticides at Beyond Pesticides.