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Web Site Tracks Birds' Worst Enemies: Cats

It's possible that the number one killer of American birds is a much-beloved, domestic pet.

Experts say outdoor cats may kill hundreds of millions of wild birds each year -- but they aren't exactly sure how many.

Now, the American Bird Conservatory is asking pet owners to help count any small animals their household pets kill. When pet owners see a household pet kill a bird, squirrel, or anything else, they can go to the ABC's "Project Predator Watch" Web site and fill in the details.

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Bird experts hope the information will indicate whether details like fur color or declawing a cat make a difference for birds. It's possible, however, that the survey results will also indicate good news for cat owners: the cats may also eat creatures like rats, which -- for instance -- prey on bird eggs.

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