@Sheril
The thing is (and I'm not going to even attempt to engage with the numbers as a lot of replies are, since I don't have the backing), it's never been about the 'reality', just the perception.

Saying 'This kills birds', they're hoping for a visceral emotional reaction, like when it was discovered that 'cute baby seal in oil' got a stronger reaction than 'billions of animals dead'.

Of course, I -personally- hate birds viscerally, but I support keeping them alive. Away from me.