Every year, Florida faces the possibility of hurricanes forming over the Atlantic Ocean, and this year is a tough one so far. These powerful storms not only pose significant threats to humans and infrastructure but also have profound effects on wildlife, particularly birds.
Florida is home to a huge variety of bird species and lies within two critical migratory flyways, which are basically avian superhighways. Hurricanes during the Atlantic season (June to November) present unique challenges to both resident and migratory birds. During the Atlantic hurricane season, as tropical storms develop into hurricanes, they bring violent winds, torrential rains, and dramatic shifts in barometric pressure, all of which can significantly affect bird populations.
Displacement, Destruction, Fallout and Food
One of the most immediate threats to birds during a hurricane is displacement. Hurricanes can trap birds in their strong winds, pulling them far from their original paths or homes. Migratory birds are particularly vulnerable to this, as they are already making long, exhausting journeys. When birds in flight get caught in the winds of a hurricane it is not uncommon for them to fly into the eye of the storm where winds are calmer. They will often stay there until the winds calm and, as a result, can be blown hundreds or even thousands of miles off course. This scenario was most recently observed during Hurricane Helene as birders in central Georgia and eastern Tennessee observed frigate birds, which are pelagic, spending most of their time over open tropical ocean. During Harvey in 2017, frigates were spotted in Oklahoma. After a storm passes, displaced birds trying to return to their intended migration routes or habitats will often suffer migratory distress and exhaustion.
Hurricanes can also destroy the critical habitats birds rely on for shelter and food. Coastal areas, where many seabirds and shorebirds live or stop during migration, are often hit hardest. Strong winds and storm surges can flood or erode beaches, marshes, and mangroves, disrupting breeding grounds, rookeries, and foraging sites. In inland areas, forests, such as those hit by Helene are obviously not immune to damage. High winds topple trees, destroy nests, and leave birds without roosting sites. This loss of habitat not only affects resident species but also impacts migratory birds that rely on these areas for rest and food during their journeys.
One phenomenon unique to hurricanes is known as “fallout.” During heavy storms, migrating birds are sometimes forced to the ground, seeking immediate shelter. Birders often observe these fallouts near coastlines or other areas where birds might congregate en masse. Although fallouts offer opportunities to see many species in one location, they are usually indicative of birds in distress, trying to avoid the worst of a storm. Fallout events are rare and usually result in higher mortality rates.
After a hurricane, food shortages can become a pressing issue for birds. Hurricanes often destroy vegetation and decimate insect populations, both of which serve as primary food sources for many bird species. Shorebirds and wading birds may struggle to find fish or invertebrates in flooded or altered coastal environments.
Survival Strategies
That hurricanes are incredibly destructive is not lost on anyone, including birds. So, it’s not surprising to learn that, just like us, birds adapt and are remarkably resilient. In much the same way we can use radar to detect incoming weather, birds can sense changes in barometric pressure, which aids them in their own evacuation strategies. This is most common with shorebirds, and they simply fly away from the storm.
Most native species will instinctively shelter in place on the leeward side of thick branches, shrubs, trees, tree holes and even urban structures. After a storm, birds that survive often return to repopulate their damaged habitats. For migratory species, if a particular stopover site is destroyed, they may adapt by finding alternate locations.
A Silver Lining
Following a storm, birds that survive often return to repopulate their damaged habitats. For migratory species, if a particular stopover site is destroyed, they often find alternate locations in the short term. Changes to the landscape and interruptions in migration for certain birds can have a net positive effect. One example can be found in the wake of Hurricane Michael in 2018 where some coastal species were able to take advantage of newly provided habitat as a result of shifting sands. In 2019, Snowy Plovers fledged 69 chicks from six Panhandle sites — up from 12 in 2018 and up from the 2014-2018 average of 23 fledglings.
In 2023, Hurricane Idalia blew in a wave of American Flamingos that would normally be on their way to Cuba and the Yucatan. These birds used to breed in Florida but were practically eliminated by hunters for their feathers and the ongoing destruction of the Everglades habitat. The storm stopped at least 100 of them and they stayed.
These are just a few examples of how our changing climate can alter the natural world as we know it, especially for birds. Hurricanes are part of life for our planet. While these storms can bring devastation, birds and people have demonstrated resilience, finding ways to adapt to the challenges Mother Nature throws our way. But as weather patterns continue to increase the intensity of storms, conservation efforts will become evermore crucial to preserve critical habitats, ensuring that bird populations can survive and thrive.