A new class of insecticides known as neoncotinoids is believed to be causing drastic population declines in bird species. Due to its effectiveness in killing insects, it has deprived birds of their basic food. Neonicotinoids, are essentially glued to plant seeds and infiltrate the entire plant. Any bug that eats the plant is immediately infected. The toxin attacks the central nervous system and causes a quick death. However, it is much less toxic to other animals. Henk Tennekes has linked the decline in bird populations in his recent book by stating that evidence shows the bird species suffering massive declines since the 1990s rely on insects for their diet. Neoicotinoids are used in a level far lower than DDT was used back in its time but since it is so efficient at killing insects, it is having the same effect. More research is needed to conclusively link neonicotinoids to avian declines. This is another clear example of how every organism is interconnected. You can't try to eliminate a problem without wondering how that will affect other organisms who might depend on that "problem" to feed themselves. However, I believe pesticides are necessary nowadays due to the number of bugs and plagues in crops being more and more resistant everyday and we have yet to see an eco friendly pesticide that does not affect other organisms at all.
Link to site: http://www.enn.com/wildlife/article/42009
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