Between 1988 and 2008, the status of 225 bird species was elevated to a higher level of risk

Birds are widespread, readily observed, feed at many levels of the food web, and are responsive to environmental change, making them good indicators of ecosystem health. Globally, over 150 species of birds have been lost since the 16th century and one in eight is currently threatened with extinction. Over the past 20 years, the status of the world’s birds has deteriorated, with more species moving closer to extinction. Of particular concern are declines in formerly common species. The last 20 years have witnessed a steady decline of bird species in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Between 1988 and 2008, the status of 225 bird species was elevated to a higher level of risk.

Source: Biodiversity Canada
http://www.biodivcanada.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=B11F5440-1&offset=3&to…