Trump administration poses new threat to birds in allowing ‘incidental’ killings

Conservationists launch legal attempt to stop interior department from reversing a 100-year-old law that protects migratory birds

The eagle may be America's mascot, but being a bird today in the United States is tough. Billions die each year in the maws of domestic cats, or after crashing into power lines or skyscraper windows. But on a large scale, climate change is warping the environment of birds that migrate long distances, such as whooping cranes or Arctic terns. And bald eagles, the nation's regal avatar, are being struck down by lead poisoning.

Bird conservationists are now alarmed by a fresh threat - the Trump administration. In a striking new stance on a longstanding law protecting migrating birds, the federal government will essentially allow the "incidental" killing of birds via buildings, energy production and other developments that act as avian death traps.