Starvation and weather blamed for mass songbird deaths in Alamogordo

Severe lack of food and unseasonal weather killed hundreds of thousands of birds in Alamogordo and statewide, researchers say. A federal wildlife study confirmed the findings. The mass losses raised concerns among wildlife biologists.

Ecologists say the issue started in late August. A large number of birds were found dead at the White Sands Missile Range. Within the next month, people found hundreds of thousands of dead birds across the state.

The U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center conducted a study on the losses. It found all the birds were emaciated. An unusual winter storm exacerbated conditions, the study found.

The U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center investigates wildlife die-offs across the country. The federal science agency tracks environmental threats to animal populations.

Researchers examined birds from the Alamogordo area and other regions. The conditions proved fatal.