All animals are always looking for the best place to protect themselves from the cold or the heat. Many of them spend some time far from their natural habitat, but as the average global temperature increases, their behavior is changing, which is happening to the rare birds who arrive in Spain.
According to the latest report from the SEO/BirdLife Rarities Committee, published in the scientific journal Ardeola, circumpolar species are less and less frequent, while African species are, on the contrary, more common.
For SEO / BirdLife, this change experienced by northern birds is related to the milder arctic winters, and the one that is beginning to be seen in southern species with the progressive warming of the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, for example, the orange bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus), of African distribution, has been located in Tarifa, where it has begun to reproduce, and the red-footed booby (sula sula), a seabird native to the Caribbean, has begun to arrive in this part of the world.
The data revealed in the report, which corresponds to species sighted in 2015, are "significant and worrying." They allow us to draw conclusions about the effect that climate change is having on the environment and, in particular, on birds.
Birds are animals that, like the rest, if the conditions of their habitat improve they decide to stay. And is that, energy economy is basic in living beings. Therefore, the SEO/BirdLife list of rare bird species will likely continue to grow as the years go by and temperatures continue to rise, unless, of course, truly effective measures are taken to curb climate change. To better understand this related phenomenon, you can read our article on how Larger wings are a consequence of climate change.
If you want to read the report, you can click here.
A deeper look at climate change and rare birds
Birds that were once common in Spanish winters, such as the speckled duck (bucephala clangula), the Atlantic amurrieta (Alle alle) And the red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena), have drastically reduced their presence. These wintering changes are directly related to the mildness of Arctic winters, which allows them to remain in the increasingly less frozen North and Baltic Seas, avoiding thousands of kilometers of travel south. This phenomenon is closely linked to the issue of climate change and how it impacts rare birds in Spain.
By contrast, Birds from warmer climates are beginning to settle in Spain.. The orange bulbulFor example, it has appeared in Tarifa, Cádiz, where its reproduction has already been documented. This expansion of typically African species has been observed in other contexts, where the tropicalization of marine and terrestrial environments has also influenced the migration and behavior of these birds.
The impact of climate change on bird populations
The SEO/BirdLife Rarities Committee report compiled data on 365 new records belonging to 93 taxa or species of birds considered rareThese types of species are those that appear rarely in a given geographic area, making them an effective indicator of environmental change. The effects of climate change can be clearly seen in the distribution and behavior of migratory birds.Research in this area is vital to better understand how certain species react to changes.
For example, the red-footed boobyThe snail, a seabird native to the Caribbean, has seen an increase in sightings off the Spanish coast, attributed to the progressive tropicalization of the sea in the northeast Atlantic. This trend indicates a change in marine ecology, affecting the food chain and the dynamics of migratory species. This change is also reflected in the challenges faced by migratory birds, as mentioned in the context of climate change.
The report also highlights the importance of monitoring and recording these species to better understand the effects of climate change on biodiversity. Ornithologists face the challenge of adapting to this new reality, where birds are witnesses to environmental transformation. This process is key, considering that the Climate change also affects other ecosystems.
- Significant changes have been recorded in bird phenology, including their migration and reproduction.
- Species that were once regular winterers are reducing their presence in favor of birds from warmer climates.
- Birdwatching has become a valuable tool for monitoring the impact of climate change.
- Collaboration between ornithologists and citizens is essential for the study of rare species.
Climate change, rare birds and their observation
Birds are considered important bioindicators of climate change, since their behavior and migrations are closely linked to environmental conditions. As global temperatures continue to rise, birds are forced to adapt to a changing environment. This adaptation can lead some species to colonize new areas, as observed with the orange bulbul. It is crucial to understand how the Climate change affects rare birds in Spain.
Other examples include the Hume's warbler (Phylloscopus humei), which has made stops on its migration in non-traditional locations, such as urban parks in Barcelona. These changes present opportunities and challenges for both birds and ornithologists in identifying and monitoring these rare species. The presence of birds such as the babbler It is an example of how climate change is altering avian migrations.
The arrival of species such as the babbler in Lanzarote, which escaped a hurricane in the Caribbean and found refuge in the Canary Islands, is another illustration of the complexities of avian migrations in the context of climate change. The importance of these types of sightings lies in the information they provide on alterations in migratory patterns and the overall health of ecosystems, especially as climate change continues to advance.
Challenges for migratory birds in the context of climate change
Climate changes, such as rising temperatures and extreme weather events, represent a significant challenge for migratory birds. It is estimated that in some bird populations, such as the tree pipitThere has been a decline in their numbers due to the poor conditions they encounter in their breeding areas. As climate change progresses, these challenges are becoming more acute.
Pressure on heathlands, which are critical stopover and breeding sites for migratory birds, has increased considerably. These ecosystems are experiencing ecological stress due to rising temperatures and increasing human pressure on the environment. The loss of natural habitats and ecosystem degradation are key concerns for the conservation of avian species.It is essential that we all become aware of the impacts of climate change on these ecosystems, and we must also remember that Deserts are threatened by global warming.
Bird conservation and monitoring actions
All the knowledge compiled in the report is the result of the work of birdwatchers and amateur ornithologists who have significantly contributed to the study of rare species. It is essential to continue promoting citizen science, as The increase in the number of observers facilitates the collection of essential data for the conservation of birds and their habitat.. This practice not only helps rare birds, but also provides valuable information on the impact of climate change in general, which relates to How birds adapt to climate change.
Collaboration between organizations and community participation in birdwatching programs allow for a deeper understanding of how birds are responding to climate change. Therefore, initiatives like the Birds and Climate SEO/BirdLife's data collection and analysis have become crucial tools for monitoring and research. Furthermore, tracking rare species can help identify patterns that aid in biodiversity conservation.
The future of rare birds and their conservation in Spain depends largely on our ability to address climate change. Ornithologists and conservationists are working hard to ensure these species can find a suitable environment to survive and reproduce. Furthermore, the impact of climate change also resonates in the health of different social groups.
However, the reality is that many species are already being affected by habitat alteration. The pressures exerted by urbanization and land-use change, combined with climate change, pose significant risks to avian diversity in Spain.
Conservation policies must be integrated with scientific research to offer effective solutions that help mitigate the effects of climate change. In this sense, every effort counts, and collaboration among the different stakeholders involved in conservation is vital to achieving a significant impact.
As we move forward, Surveillance and monitoring of migratory birds becomes a crucial aspect to understand changes in their behavior and distribution. Every observation of a rare species is an opportunity to learn more about the ecosystem and the impact of climate change.
It's imperative to remember that the future of our rare birds is in our hands. Protecting their habitats and promoting sustainable practices can make a real difference in the conservation of these species in the context of climate change.
