The Field Museum reported an unprecedented number of bird deaths from window strikes in Chicago this week.
These preventable deaths happen every year, especially during fall and spring migration, but this year was worse.
The museum reported that about 1,000 birds perished Thursday after hitting McCormick Place convention center glass, “the most Field collecting efforts have documented in the past 40 years.”
PBS affiliate WTTW stated that Chicago's birding community is "abuzz" over the occurrence.
In poor flying circumstances, WWTW reported 100,000 migratory birds traveling over various city areas that day. Both circumstances drove a flood of birds to Chicago's Lake Michigan coastline on their dangerous trek.
Recent data shows that climate change affects birds beyond bird accidents. As Earth heats, North and South American birds are shrinking, and the tiniest are changing fastest.
The Field Museum states that smaller bodies retain less heat and larger bodies more, helping animals maintain a comfortable temperature in varied situations.
The Field Museum claimed the birds' wingspans may have expanded so they can perform long migrations with smaller bodies to create flight energy.
Studies have utilized Field Museum data, gathered by scientists and volunteers who hunt for birds that crash into the center's windows every day during migratory seasons, to argue for stronger safeguards to aid fragile species.