A review of climate change impacts on birds

Abstract

Regions of the world with high coastal zone biological productivity often support large numbers of birds. Important sources of this productivity are oceanographic upwelling created by winds and ocean currents, and runoff from the land. It is suggested that climate change effects on winds and ocean currents will potentially affect the timing and magnitude of coastal biological productivity, and that bird populations will seek new levels and distributions in response to these changes. We are at an early stage in projecting trends. However, ecological responses to climate change are clearly visible which underscores the importance of basic research into ecological processes that support birds in coastal environments, and to provide advice on how to mitigate against the impact of climate change.

Parent Publication

• Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 1 and 2

Citation

Butler, Robert W.; Taylor, William. 2005. A review of climate change impacts on birds. In: Ralph, C. John; Rich, Terrell D., editors 2005. Bird Conservation Implementation and Integration in the Americas: Proceedings of the Third International Partners in Flight Conference. 2002 March 20-24; Asilomar, California, Volume 2 Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-191. Albany, CA: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: p. 1107-1109