Canadian wildfire smoke linked to fewer sightings of 40 bird species in New York

University at Buffalo study found 40 bird species were seen less often in New York during 2021–2023 breeding seasons when Canadian wildfire smoke increased.

Researchers matched PM2.5 pollution levels with 99,000 bird observations from citizen scientists.

Birds may have changed behavior rather than died, making them harder to spot; the study suggests air quality affects bird detectability.

The findings were published in Biodiversity and Conservation and highlight a need to consider smoke in wildlife monitoring as climate change increases wildfires.

Smoke from Canada's record 2023 wildfires traveled hundreds of miles, affecting New York's air quality during breeding season.