One of New York City’s most common birds could disappear in 10 years

New York City’s most common wading bird, the black-crowned night heron, faces potential extinction from the harbor within 15 years, according to a June 3 report by the New York City Bird Alliance. The species’ population plummeted 55% between 2000 and 2022, with researchers counting only 470 active nests in 2022—a sharp decline from historical numbers. The black-crowned night heron serves as an indicator species, meaning its struggles signal broader environmental problems. Ecologists like Shannon Curley of Stony Brook University warn that the bird’s decline may reflect unseen ecological pressures, including pollution and habitat loss. The birds’ nesting sites, located on shrubs and trees in wetlands like marshes and ponds, are vulnerable to predators such as raccoons, which use subway tracks in Jamaica Bay to access nesting islands. Raccoons have already forced entire colonies to abandon habitats, including Subway Island in Jamaica Bay, during mating season. Human activity, including boat traffic and development, further threatens the species, as wetlands—some as small as an acre—are critical nesting grounds. Dustin Partridge, director of conservation and science at the New York City Bird Alliance, notes the birds’ resilience but emphasizes the urgency of protecting their limited habitats. Pollution remains the most concerning factor, despite improvements from the Clean Water Act. Microplastics, PFAS (forever chemicals), and raw sewage from combined sewer overflows may be contributing to the decline, as black-crowned night herons are highly sensitive to contaminants. The report, published in *Conservation Science and Practice*, urges immediate conservation efforts to prevent local extinction. Researchers stress that early detection of the herons’ decline allows for timely intervention. Partridge stated that proactive measures could save the species before it disappears from New York City’s ecosystem entirely.