The major cause of loss of number of migratory birds is

Options

A. pesticides
B. fragmentation or loss of habitat
C. change in climate
D. bad weather

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Migratory Birds**: Migratory birds are species that travel from one region to another in a seasonal pattern. This movement is typically driven by the need to find favorable conditions for breeding and feeding.

2. **Identifying Causes of Decline**: The question asks for the major cause of the decline in migratory bird populations. Potential causes include habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and weather conditions.

3. **Evaluating Each Cause**:
- **Pesticides**: While pesticides can harm birds, they are not the primary cause of migratory birds' population decline.
- **Fragmentation or Loss of Habitat**: Habitat loss is a significant issue for many bird species, but migratory birds are particularly affected by changes in climate.
- **Change in Climate**: Climate change affects the timing of seasons, which can disrupt migratory patterns. Birds depend on seasonal cues to migrate, and changes in temperature and weather can lead to delays or misalignment in their migration.
- **Bad Weather**: While bad weather can impact migratory birds, it is not a consistent cause of population decline compared to climate change.

4. **Conclusion**: The major cause of the loss of migratory bird numbers is primarily due to changes in climate. This affects their migration patterns and the availability of suitable habitats for breeding and feeding.

5. **Examples of Migratory Birds**: Some examples of migratory birds include the osprey, golden plover, and wagtails, which all rely on seasonal movements to thrive.