Aerial insectivores (swallows, swifts, nightjars, and flycatchers) have experienced steep population declines in North America, with numbers falling by an estimated 43% since the 1970’s. Because many species within this guild breed in the same agricultural areas, aerial insectivores can act as indicators of ecosystem health. However, aerial insectivores face multiple threats such as habitat loss, agricultural intensification, pesticide use, climate change, and declines in insect prey. This presentation will (1) explore how agricultural intensification impacts aerial insectivores; (2) summarize evidence demonstrating the benefits of maintaining habitat diversity within agricultural landscapes; and (3) use tree swallows as a case study to demonstrate how wetlands may offset some of the negative impacts of intensive agriculture. Overall, the presentation will highlight how maintaining a diversity of habitats, and particularly wetlands and other riparian areas, may be critical to conserving aerial insectivores.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Lisha Berzins is an avian ecologist whose work focuses on understanding the threats bird populations are facing, particularly through the loss of wetland habitat and changes in land use and climate, with the goal of developing conservation solutions to mitigate these threats and promote healthy ecosystems for both birds and people. In 2022, Lisha received the Society of Canadian Ornithologists Early Career Researcher Award for her contributions to ornithology. Beyond research, Lisha enjoys leading bird hikes, gardening, and volunteering as a land steward at local nature reserves.
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