Abstract: Neonicotinoids are a class of systemic insecticides widely used in agricultural ecosystems, with the characteristics of broad-spectrum, long residual efficient duration, unique mechanism of action. As potent agonists, they act selectively on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). It was accepted that the insecticides exhibited a high level of insecticidal activity just for target insects, and low toxicity for non-target animals, such as birds. However, a growing number of studies showed that exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides would negatively impact non-target birds. We reviewed the detection methods of neonicotinoid insecticides and the effects of the insecticides on birds. Many international studies have focused on the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on populations, reproductive ecology, and migration ability of birds. However, few studies are from China. Based on the shortcomings of current researches in China, we proposed future research directions on the impacts of insecticides on birds, aiming to provide a scientific basis for assessing the risk of neonicotinoid insecticides exposure to birds.

Key words: neonicotinoid insecticide, bird, potential effect, detection method.