Cats are the biggest threat to birds

Editor:

Much is being said about wind turbines being the killer of birds, and although wind turbines are listed in research, they are below the top culprits. I have done some checking and I relate previously researched facts for Canada, your readers may be interested.

Estimated average annual bird population: 10 billion (not including birds for food industry). Deaths: 270 million (not stated if natural death included).

Breakdown of individual estimates of bird deaths:

Surprisingly the biggest bird killer is the cat.

• 25 million due to power lines, collision and electrocution. Other lines – pole to pole (flight obstruction).

• 24 million due to buildings and glass windows, electricity pylons, wind towers, and other tall structures.

• 14 million due to vehicle collision.

• 5 million due to game bird hunting.

• 2.7 million due to Agricultural pesticides.

• 2.2 million due to grass mowing (young birds nesting in long grass).

• 1.4 million due to commercial forestry (nesting and habitation).

Ray Jackson,

Mulmur.