Global report reveals 45 percent of migratory bird species are in decline

A new report entitled State of the World’s Birds 2026 was unveiled on September 11, 2026, at the Global Flyways Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. Published by BirdLife International and announced by BirdLife Cyprus, this quadrennial assessment focuses exclusively on migratory birds and their reliance on specific flyway routes.

The findings indicate that 45 percent of all migratory bird species are currently experiencing population declines, with one in nine species facing the threat of extinction. Populations dependent on marine ecosystems, forests, and coastal wetlands are among the most severely affected, particularly seabirds and wading birds. The primary drivers of these declines are attributed to human activities, including habitat loss and degradation, agricultural intensification, climate change, the impact of invasive alien species, and unsustainable or illegal hunting practices.

While the report paints a dire picture of the state of global biodiversity, it also emphasizes that targeted conservation actions can effectively reverse these negative trends. The study serves as a critical update for policymakers and environmental organizations, highlighting the urgent need for international cooperation to protect interconnected migratory habitats across the globe.