On the recordMarch 10, 2011
today I am introducing the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act. This bill promotes long-term conservation, education, research, monitoring, and habitat protection for more than 350 species of neotropical migratory birds that breed in North America in the summer and spend our winters in tropical climates south of our border. Through its successful competitive, matching grant program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports public-private partnerships to countries mostly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Up to one quarter of the funds may be awarded for domestic projects. This legislation aims to sustain healthy populations of migratory birds that are not only beautiful to look at but help our farmers by consuming billions of harmful insect pests each year. These vulnerable bird populations face many environmental factors such as pesticide pollution, deforestation, sprawl, and invasive species that threaten their habitat and, ultimately, their survival. As good indicators of a healthy ecosystem, it is troubling that, according to the National Audubon Society, at least 29 species of migratory birds are experiencing significant population declines. For example, populations of the Cerulean Warbler and Olive-Sided Flycatcher have declined as much as 70 percent since surveys began in the 1960s.
