World Migratory Bird Day 2025: Protecting Birds in Caribbean CitiesCEFR A2
11 Oct 2025
Adapted from Guest Contributor, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by wallace silva, Unsplash
Twice each year many birds travel between the American continent and the Caribbean. In autumn they move south to the Caribbean and in spring they return to the United States. These movements happen in large waves and BirdCast reported a record night of migration of 1.25 billion birds on October 8, 2025.
The 2025 WMBD theme was “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities.” Urban development on islands often sits next to forests, wetlands and coasts, so towns and cities can cause habitat loss and fragmentation. Climate change adds threats such as rising sea levels, strong hurricanes, and changes in temperature and rainfall.
People can help by planting native plants, reducing light, avoiding pesticides, preventing plastic pollution, and reducing window collisions. Educators in the Caribbean planned birdwatching trips, cleanups, school talks, tree planting, and feeders to welcome migratory birds.
Difficult words
- migrate — To travel a long distance for food or safety.
- protect — To keep safe from harm or danger.
- community — A group of people living together.communities
- habitat — The natural home of an animal or plant.
- climate — The usual weather conditions in an area.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How can you help protect birds in your area?
- Why is it important to create bird-friendly communities?
- What actions can individuals take to reduce climate change?
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