Climate changes won't just have a negative impact on the environment, it will also put 588 species of birds in North America at risk of extinction.
A recent study conducted by the National Audubon Society shows that about 50 percent of these species will have to live in narrow spaces. A number of birds will also have to move.
If they don't know how to adapt to new spaces, eventually they will become extinct.
"In light of the threats it is possible that these species may cease to exist. This threat is not just for those who are few in number, but the species, which have the strong population, will also be affected," said David Yarnorld , chairman of the NAS, according to
The study said New Mexico birds at risk include the Bullock's oriole, the prairie falcon, the pinyon jay and the mallard duck, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported this weekend.
"In terms of findings, this study really brings to the fore that climate change is the number one threat facing birds," Audubon New Mexico director Carol Beidleman said, according to the Associated Press.
Raymond VanBuskirk, a biologist and president of the Central New Mexico Audubon Society, said the finches and songbirds have been declining at several locations already.
"I don't think it is representative of a decline in successful breeding or decline in numbers generally," VanBuskirk said, according to AP. "It is that our winters are much warmer. We don't get as much snow as we used to or as much precipitation as before."
Oil drilling and wildfires were not accounted for in the study.
The national study looked at 40 years of climate data and bird records from the U.S. Geological Survey. It says that more than half of 588 North America bird species will face population decline or move to new territories during the next 60 years.
At least $30 billion of the nation's annual economy comes from bird watchers traveling and purchasing new equipment, according to AP.
VanBuskirk believes there is a chance to slow the rate of climate change so wildlife, like birds, can adapt.
"It is sort of like a car crash. Would you rather get in a car crash at 100 miles per hour or slow it down to 50 miles per hour?" VanBuskirk said. "By slowing climate change, we give birds more time to move to areas they can thrive."
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