April 17, 2020 • Global temperatures are rising, putting bird species across America in danger of extinction as their habitats change. To understand how temperature affects birds across the country, scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison compared data from the thermal sensor on Landsat 8, TIRS, to bird biodiversity across the country. 

Turns out, having a habitat with pockets of different temperatures – like a grove of trees in an open field, or a nest or snow burrow – is especially important for small-bodied bird species and those threatened by climate change. 

This bird’s-eye view of the relationship between temperature and bird biodiversity will help conservationists figure out where to prioritize their efforts in a warming world. 

The Landsat Program is a series of Earth-observing satellite missions jointly managed by NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Landsat satellites have been consistently gathering data about our planet since 1972. They continue to improve and expand this unparalleled record of Earth’s changing landscapes for the benefit of all.

Video credits:

Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

Matthew R. Radcliff (USRA): Lead Producer

Aaron E. Lepsch (ADNET): Technical Support

Sofie L. Bates (Intern): Producer, Editor, Animator, Writer

Matthew R. Radcliff (USRA): Animator

Jeffrey Masek (NASA/GSFC): Scientist

Music: Life Cycles by Theo Golding [PRS], published by Atmosphere Music Ltd [PRS] available from Universal Production Music

This video is public domain and along with other supporting visualizations can be downloaded from NASA Goddard’s Scientific Visualization Studio at: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/13585