Birds and Biodiversity

i n G e r m a n y

2010
Editors

Target
The Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA, Federation of German Avifaunists) co-ordinates
national-wide bird survey programmes, such as monitoring of breeding and resting birds. As well
as supporting reseach on applied bird conservation, the DDA represents German nature conser-
vation organisations on Wetlands International and the European Bird Census Council.

Since more than 100 years the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU, Nature and Biodiversity
Conservation Union) is involved in practical and political bird and nature conservation. The
NABU is the German partner of BirdLife International, it is member of the DNR (German League
for Nature and Environment), and since 1971 the NABU chooses the Bird of the Year in Germany
(2008: common cuckoo).

The Deutsche Rat für Vogelschutz (DRV, German Council for Bird Protection) is a forum, which
enables the co-operation and an intensive exchange of experiences between representatives of
governmental bird conservation agencies, scientific institutions and NGOs. The aim is to give
scientifically well-founded advice to decision takers and to promote scientific knowledge and
conservation strategies.

The Deutsche Ornithologen-Gesellschaft (DO-G, German Ornithologists’ Society) is one of the

oldest scientific associations in the world. Since its formation in 1850, it has promoted ornithology
as a pure science as well as in applied research.

The Bundesamt für Naturschutz [Federal Nature Conservation Agency] has funded
the printing of this report with resources from the Bundesministerium für Umwelt,
Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit [Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature
Conservation and Nuclear Safety].
Contents Editorial
Dear readers, Editors
Contents / Editorial 2
Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten, Naturschutzbund Deutschland,
Key facts 3 Germany will host the 9th UN nature conservation Deutscher Rat für Vogelschutz and Deutsche Ornithologen-Gesellschaft
Bird monitoring 4 conference (“ninth meeting of the Conference of
responsible authors:
the Parties to the UN Convention on Biodiversity”)
Protection of species 6 Martin Flade, Christoph Grüneberg, Christoph Sudfeldt and Johannes Wahl
in Bonn from 19th to 30th May 2008, to which more
Critically endangered species 8 than 5.000 representatives from all over the world
Bird monitoring: A. Mitschke, C. Sudfeldt
Protection of species: C. Grüneberg, C. Sudfeldt, M. Boschert
Birds as indicators 10 are expected. The basis of the conference of the Critically endangered birds: C. Grüneberg, C. Sudfeldt, M. Boschert
Birds as indicators: A. Mitschke, C. Sudfeldt
Farmland birds 12 parties is the “Convention on Biological Diversity
Farmland birds: M. Flade, H. Hötker
Forest birds 20 (CBD)”, which was agreed at the world summit in Forest birds: M. Flade
Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and is celebrated as a mile- Urban birds: A. Mitschke
Urban birds 28 Wetland birds: C. Grüneberg, M. Boschert, H.-G. Bauer
stone for nature conservation. Here, it is expressly Coastal and sea birds: P. Südbeck, S. Garthe
Wetland birds 30 acknowledged that the conservation of biological Alpine birds: H. Schöpf, H.-G. Bauer,
Coastal and sea birds 32 diversity is in the interest of all mankind. So far, Migrating waterbirds: J. Wahl
Trans-Saharan migrants: J. Salewski, M. Flade
Alpine birds 36 189 countries, as well as the European Union have
in cooperation with:
Migrating waterbirds 40 signed the convention.
J. Blew, S. Fischer, K. Günther, B. Hälterlein, T. Heinicke, W. Knief, T. Langgemach,
U. Mammen, W. Scherzinger, H. Schumacher, J. Schwarz and A. von Lindeiner.
Trans-Saharan migrants 50
In Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, the so-called
Acknowledgement 54 “2010 target” was adopted within the framework of
Imprint 55 the CBD, in order to reduce significantly by 2010 the
Citation
rate of biological diversity loss at a global, regional Flade, M., C. Grüneberg, C, Sudfeldt & J. Wahl (2008): Birds and Biodiversity in Germany – 2010 Target.
DDA, NABU, DRV, DO-G, Münster.
and national level. At Gothenburg in 2001, the EU
„Birds and Biodiversity in Germany - 2010 Target“ had already decided to halt the loss of biodiversity in
gives a comprehensive overview about the current Europe by 2010. Imprint
status of bird life in Germany – also of the common
ISBN: 978-3-9811698-2-9
starling. Photo: T. Krüger
On the occasion of the 9th meeting of the Conference © Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten e.V.
of the Parties to CBD, the report “Birds and Biodiver- Geschäftsstelle, Zerbster Str. 7, D - 39264 Steckby
sity in Germany – 2010 target” represents a compre- „Birds and Biodiversity in Germany – 2010 Target“ is published by Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten e.V.
hensive overview of the conservation status of natio-
Layout and graphics: Christoph Grüneberg
nal bird life – representing all biological diversity.
Translation: Solveigh Lass-Evans
The report aims to inform decision makers in politics Print: Druckerei Stelljes, Münster
and administration as well as the public who are in- Cover picture: Mathias Schäf, European turtle dove
terested in the successes achieved in species conser- The report is printed on FSC-certified paper.
vation in recent years, and also to reveal the continu-
The graphics of the sustainability indicator for species diversity were kindly provided by U. Sukopp and
ing or even increasing need for action, in particular R. Dröschmeister (Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Data source: Achtziger, R., H. Stickroth, R. Zieschank, C. Wolter
in the unprotected “wider countryside”. & H. Schlumprecht (2007): F+E-Projekt „Nachhaltigkeitsindikator für den Naturschutzbereich“ - Phase 2.
Endbericht Teil A: Nachhaltigkeitsindikator für die Artenvielfalt. Unveröff. Forschungsbericht im Auftrag des BfN
The analysis is based on several million records, (FKZ 804 86 010): 196 S.

gathered by more than 5.000 bird watchers. The

evaluation allows concrete conclusions about the Available from
application of nature conservation concepts, so we DDA-Schriftenversand, Regina Kronbach, Am Hohen Hain 4 d, D - 09212 Limbach-Oberfrohna
could achieve a sustainable contribution to the pro- email: schriftenversand@dda-web.de, Tel.: +49-(0)3722-91819
tection of species diversity. On the other hand, they Nominal charge 10,00 EUR plus package and postage
also act as early-warning systems by pointing out „Birds and Biodiversity in Germany – 2010 Target“ can be downloaded for free on the homepage of the DDA
current undesirable developments, which need to be (www.dda-web.de).
stopped if the aim of preventing continuous losses of
species diversity is to be achieved.
All parts of this work are copyright protected. Any use outside the strict terms of copyright law without the agreement of the publishers is prohibited
Stefan Fischer, chairman of the DDA and may be prosecuted. This particularly applies to copying, translations, microfilm, online storage and processing in electronic systems.

2 59
Key points
Overall situation
 Many common bird species are in decline: numbers of 23 of the 64 commonest German birds
have fallen over the last 15 years. Even species such as house sparrow, common house martin and
northern lapwing continue to deteriorate in status.
 Ground-nesting birds of farmland such as Eurasian skylark and Eurasian curlew are particularly
threatened: causes are intensification of agriculture, loss of semi-natural wet grasslands and the
recent use of fallow land for the cultivation of energy crops. Favourable trends are found only where
there are high levels of organic farming and in large protected areas. If biodiversity loss is to be halted
on agricultural land, support measures must be targeted more strongly at the conservation of species
and habitats. An important current issue is the need for a fallow land programme to compensate for
the loss of EU set-aside.
 Forest birds have shown a slight recovery: semi-natural forest management has led to better living
conditions for typical species such as Eurasian nuthatch and great spotted woodpecker. Nearly half
of the 52 commonest woodland species have increased since 1990, but this increase has taken place
almost exclusively outside forests, in parks, gardens and green spaces. Sharp rises in the price of tim-
ber and increased use of wood for fuel are currently causing severe intensification of forest manage-
ment. Therefore, declines in forest birds should be expected in the future.
 Species breeding on the coasts are particularly seriously threatened: Kentish plover and little tern
need targeted protection measures if they are to survive in Germany. Numbers of shellfish-eating
visitors to the Wadden Sea, such as red knot and common eider, have shown alarming declines over
the last 10 years.
 Long-running protection schemes have helped spectacular larger birds: continuing population
increases for black stork, white-tailed eagle, peregrine falcon and common crane show that volun-
tary- and state-sector conservation measures can enable the long-term survival of these species.

Sustainability
 Birds are policy indicators of the sustainability of land-use in Germany. The Federal Government’s
sustainability strategy sets a target of stabilising the status of all species in the species diversity
indicator and those selected to represent high value habitats.
 The indicator has stagnated over the last ten years and in 2005 only 74% of the target had been met.
Significant extra effort will be needed if the sustainability target is to be achieved.

Climate change
 Climate change also affects bird life: numbers of ducks wintering in Germany have increased,
because the winter range of some species has moved in response to milder winter conditions in
central Europe.
 Long-distance migrants such as tree pipit, wood warbler and European pied flycatcher suffer from
dramatic changes in landscape, on migration and on their African wintering grounds. Causes are
drought, overgrazing, deforestation and expansion of desert.
 Long-distance migrants are particularly strongly affected by population declines, regardless of habitat
preference, ecological guild, or genetic kinship. Therefore, rapidly changing conditions on the
African continent should be brought more strongly within the focus of nature conservation.

3
Bird monitoring
In order to be able to make state- very accurately changes in dis- servation are the “rare breeding
Population trends of 64 common breeding birds in Germany between 1990-2005.
ments about the world of birds, tribution and numbers of bird birds monitoring” and the moni-
we need to map and count as species. Evaluation of habitats toring programmes for resting Species Trend 1990-2005 Species Trend 1990-2005
precisely as possible the bree- and their links with information waterbirds (e.g. International Common pheasant  Common chiffchaff 
ding and resting birds which on landuse allows analysis of Waterbird Census, Trilateral Northern lapwing  Willow warbler 
occur regularly in Germany. causes of population change. Monitoring and Assessment
Stock dove  Goldcrest 
This is used to develop recom- Programm of the Wadden Sea,
We benefit from the presence mendations for nature conser- Seabirds at Sea), as well as moni- Common wood pigeon  Firecrest 
of several thousand skilled and vation policy. toring of birds of prey and owls European turtle dove  Spotted flycatcher 
experienced, deeply committed and the “Integrated Monitoring Common swift  European pied flycatcher 
bird-watchers, who willingly Monitoring of common bree- of Songbird populations”.
European green woodpecker  Long-tailed bushtit 
give their knowledge to non- ding birds by the Dachverband
profit service. Through this Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA) Black woodpecker  Marsh tit 
Further information on bird
mostly voluntary collaboration, – the Federation of German monitoring can be found on the Great spotted woodecker  European crested tit 
they all contribute to the perma- Avifaunists – has provided homepage of the DDA under Eurasian skylark  Coal tit 
nent observation of our avifauna reliable information on the wide- www.dda-web.de, in particular
in the online information system
Barn swallow  Blue tit 
in the framework of so-called spread common bird species of
“Vögel in Deutschland” Common house martin  Great tit 
monitoring programmes, with Germany since 1990. Further
[“Birds in Germany”]
which it is possible to describe important modules of bird ob- Tree pipit  Eurasian nuthatch 
White wagtail  Eurasian treecreeper 
The population of common wood pidgeon
in Germany is stable. Photo: T. Krüger
Winter wren  Short-toed treecreeper 
Dunnock  Eurasian golden oriole 
European robin  Red-backed shrike 
Common nightingale  Eurasian jay 
Common redstart  Eurasian magpie 
Black redstart  Carrion / Hooded crow 
Common blackbird  Northern raven 
Mistle thrush  Common starling 
Song thrush  House sparrow 
Common grasshopper warbler  Eurasian tree sparrow 
Marsh warbler I Common chaffinch 
Eurasian reed warbler  European serin 
Icterine warbler  European greenfinch I
Lesser whitethroat  European goldfinch 
Common whitethroat  Common linnet 
Garden warbler  Eurasian bullfinch 
Eurasian blackcap  Yellowhammer 
Wood warbler  Common reed bunting 
Legend:  =strong decline (> 50 %),  = decline (20-50 %),  = moderate decline (< 20 %),  = Population
fluctuating and/or without trend,  = moderate increase (< 20 %),  = increase (20-50 %),  = strong increase
(> 50 %),  I  = increase in the first, decline in the second part of the period

4 5
Protection of species
In various ways, several thousand volunteers, nature protection Thanks to intensive efforts,
Montagu‘s harrier increased rapidly
organisations and foundations as well as public authorities in 1998 the population of great since the systematic protection of
are involved in species conservation. The activities range from bustard increased at the three nesting sites in fields.
Photo: H. Glader
installing nest boxes, to the purchase of ecologically valuable remaining breeding sites in
areas and their ecologically-friendly cultivation, to payment of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt
compensation for profits lost by farmers and forest owners. Has for the first time in decades of
the conservation situation improved for species for which partic- decline. In 2005, more than
ular protection measures have been in place for several years? 100 birds were recorded. The
Experience shows that those species that are in the public eye population of Eurasian eagle-
may have been helped through specific supporting measures. owl reached a low point of 70
pairs at the end of 1950s, but by
The installation of artificial nests The growing breeding popula- 2005, large areas of Germany
and nesting assistance are easy tion of Montagu’s harrier proves had been repopulated and more
measures to support breeding that successful protection of nest than 1,000 pairs were registered.
populations of endangered sites can also be practised on While the population continues
species: osprey and peregrine land used for agricultural crops. to increase in northern and
falcon have both benefited. For Since the start of state-aided western Germany, numbers are European golden plover from Directive, Germany is on the
species that are particularly species recovery programmes, stable or even locally decreasing clutch protection, and black tern right track to secure for future
sensitive to disturbance, such as the population increased na- in South Germany. This species and common tern from the in- generations a comprehensive
white-tailed eagle and common tionally to between 430 and is supported through reintroduc- stallation of breeding rafts. species diversity as a national
crane, securing breeding sites 460 pairs. In the mid 1990s the tion in Schleswig-Holstein. contribution to the European
and introducing nest protection species was still „critically en- For the permanent protection NATURA 2000 site network. By
zones have been proved to work. dangered“ on the Red-List. Due to enormous voluntary of many endangered bird April 2008, Germany had desi-
engagement, which has been species, species action plans are gnated 734 SPAs (11.1% of the
given to species recovery pro- indispensible. However, these land area). In addition, almost
grams for decades and is fun- plans can only proceed in the 1.9 million hectares of sea, bays,
ded by donations as well as by long term if the preservation intertidal areas and parts of Lake
public authorities, species such of natural habitats is given the Constance are also included in
as barn owl and little owl also highest priority. With the desig- the network. Further proposals
profit from the construction of nation of Special Protection for bird protection areas will be
nest boxes and nest holes, as do Areas (SPAs) under the EU Birds made in 2008.

Population trends for selected species between 1996 and 2005, which benefited by special protection activities at the
nesting sites. All numbers represent breeding pairs. (except individuals = ind.)
Species Trend Population Species Trend Population
1996-2005 2005 1996-2005 2005
Black stork  500-530 Common crane  5200-5400
White stork  4200-4300 Great bustard  101 ind.
Osprey  500 European golden plover  8
Golden eagle  46 Black tern  760-790
Montagu‘s harrier  430-460 Common tern  11000
White-tailed eagle  501 Eurasian eagle-owl  1400-1500

Little owl benefits from nest boxes, Peregrine falcon  800-830 Little owl  8200-8400
but needs further optimal habitat
Legend:  = strong decline (> 50 %),  = decline (20-50 %),  = stable (-20 % bis +20 %),  increase (20-50 %),
conditions. Photo: H. Glader
 = strong increase (> 50 %)

6 7
Critically endangered birds
At the beginning of this millennium, 26 species of breeding spread purchase of ecologically
The decline of black-tailed
birds were critically endangered in Germany – as shown by the valuable meadow areas. After godwit has not been stopped,
2002 Red List. Has the ringing of alarm bells led to increased nearly two decades of intensive but slowed in protected areas.
efforts, the first signs of success Photo: H. Glader
conservation effort? The balance is ambivalent: 4 species re-
covered slightly, for 12 species, the negative population trend can be detected in protection
has been stopped and for another 4 species the rate of decline areas. This gives rise to hope that
could at least be slowed. However, for 5 species the conserva- the federal and state government
tion effort needs to be intensified considerably if they are to be conservation programmes for
prevented from becoming extinct... protecting wet meadows and
bogs are slowly beginning to
...a fate, which has already severely threatened, and have succeed.
befallen the European roller, been lost from most of the moors
which bred for the last time in and heaths in north Germany European golden plover have
Baden-Württemberg in 1994. Po- where they previously occurred. also benefited from extensive
pulations of ruff, dunlin, wood- An exception is the increasing nature protection measures,
chat shrike and aquatic warbler population in the Lüneburg which have allowed the small
are threatened with immediate Heath. Inland breeding numbers remnant population in Lower
extinction in Germany. Kentish of black-tailed godwit, a target Saxony to be maintained with
plover breeding on the North species of the wet meadow pro- increasing breeding success. 1990, have stabilised since the heavy losses due to two cold
Sea coast show an unremittingly tection programmes of several middle of the 1990s. winters in the middle of the
strong downward trend. Away federal states, have continued The breeding populations of 1990s. Ferruginous duck breeds
from the Alps, black grouse are to decline, in spite of the wide- black tern, short-eared owl and The population of Eurasian – after an absence of more than
Eurasian hoopoe, which showed bittern, a widespread inhabitant 20 years – since 1997 again re-
heavy losses between 1975 and of reedbeds, has recovered from gularly in Germany .

Population trends of „critically endangered“ species contained in the Red Data Book (2002), between 1996 and 2005.
All numbers represent breeding pairs (exceptional individuals = ind.)
Species Trend Population Species Trend Population
1996-2005 2005 1996-2005 2005
Ferruginous duck  2-9 Common sandpiper  260-330
Black grouse  1000-1400 Ruff  19-39
Western capercaillie  580-780 Dunlin  8-13
Eurasian bittern  580-640 Caspian tern  0-2
Least bittern  97-150 Black tern  760-790
Northern harrier  52-62 Short-eared owl  70-170
Great bustard  101 ind. European roller ex 0
Spotted crake  570-810 Eurasian hoopoe  380-450
Little crake  33-49 Woodchat shrike  1-2
European golden plover  8 Great grey shrike  1900-2400
Kentish plover  181-183 aquatic warbler  6
Black-tailed godwit  4700 Collared flycatcher  4100-5600
Common snipe  5700-6600 Rock bunting  360-440
The black grouse is still threatened
Legend:  = strong decline (> 50 %),  = decline (20-50 %),  = stable (-20 % bis +20 %),  increase (20-50 %),
with extinction. Photo: H. Weindorf
 = strong increase (> 50 %)

8 9
Birds as indicators
As a signatory to the “Convention on Biodiversity”, Germany sustainable and no trend is recog-
High responsibility: almost 60 % of
has committed itself to stopping the decline of species diversity. nisable regarding the target values all red kites worldwide are breeding
In order to assess whether this aim can be achieved, perfor- for 2015. Therefore additional in Germany. Photo: K. Budweiser

mance indicators have been developed which react sensitively efforts are necessary in order to hit
to changes in the use of our natural resources. Indicators are the target and to secure the con-
important aids to display complex connections in a clear and servation of species diversity.
simple way. They also clarify to the public and politicians, where
nature conservation action needs to be taken.
‘Wild Bird’ indicators
for Europe
Sustainability indicator habitat for the bird species con-
for species diversity cerned. As many species besides The view over the border of
birds are also bonded to a rich Germany shows that the Eu-
The sustainability indicator for and diverse landscape with in- ropean “Wild Bird Indicator”,
species diversity is one of 21 tact, sustainably used habitats, which summarises the popula-
indicators, against which the the indicator also indirectly tion trends of 124 common bird
proposed aim of sustainable measures species diversity and species of all habitats, showed
development in Germany shall sustainability of landuse, when a moderate decrease in the
be assessed. This indicator dis- considered on a large scale. 1980s, but stabilised since the
plays the quality of nature and mid-1990s. The “Farmland Bird
landscape and is based on the An expert panel has determined Indicator”, which belongs to
population trends of 59 selec- target population levels for 2015 the EU-guideline indicators for
ted bird species that represent for each bird species; these are the “management of natural re-
the most important landscape, achievable if legal requirements sources” shows that the situation
habitat and landuse types in Ger- for nature conservation and guide- for farmland birds has clearly
many (farmland, forests, settle- lines for sustainable development developed negatively.
ments, inland waters, coasts and are put into practice.
seas and the Alps). The size of
the populations directly reflects The indicator shows that cur-
The population trend of
the suitability of the landscape as rent landuse in Germany is not great crested grebe is
included in the indicator for
the habitat of inland waters.
Photo: T. Krüger

The red-backed shrike is one of

ten indicator species for the habitat
„farmlands“. Photo: H. Glader

10 11
Farmland birds
As in other European countries, a particular sharp decline of nesting birds, which were also
In western and southern Germany almost
bird populations in agricultural landscapes was observed in affected by continuing declines a rarity: a singing Eurasian skylark.
Germany between 1960 and 1990. West and East Germany ex- over the last 15 years. Even Photo: M. Schäf
perienced a dramatic intensification of agricultural production more threatened are species of
through mechanisation, pesticide and fertiliser application, as marshland areas: dunlin and ruff
well as measures to improve the land, e.g. through dewatering, have become almost extinct in
drainage, installation of flood defences, as well as consolidation Germany; the breeding popula-
of farmland and reclamation of waste land. Intensification of tion of black-tailed godwit has
use and productivity, and loss of species diversity on agricultural shrunk to less than half its former
land were disproportionately greater in West Germany than in level, and the Eurasian curlew
East Germany. The causes for these declines are now well under- population is in sharp decline.
stood: particular problems are rapid and dense growth of crops, When considering birds bree-
lack of food, habitat destruction, lack of crop diversity, drainage ding in arable landscapes, no
of wet grassland and high levels of predation by mammals. clear winners can be found: only
western yellow wagtail is able
Current trends agriculture and an increase of to use intensively cultivated field
set-aside areas to 15-20 % of the areas as breeding habitat.
Populations of birds breeding on arable land. However, here too
arable land developed differently the data mainly show declines Due to current farming condi-
following German reunificati- since the late 1990s. tions, many species are no lon-
on: declines continued in the ger able to breed, or to rear their
west, while a recovery of many The population trends of young successfully. Drainage
species (e.g. yellowhammer and northern lapwing, Eurasian measures cause reductions in
corn bunting) was observed in skylark, whinchat and meadow food supply and encourage the
the east after reorganisation of pipit represent many ground- spread of predatory mammals,
for which nests or not-fully
fledged young are easy prey.
Climate change and over-fertili-
sation add to the wider negative
trend in breeding conditions:
cultivated plants grow earlier, Example Eurasian skylark: The already high densities of this typical farmland
faster and more densely than a bird in East Germany increased even more following German Reunification,
while in West Germany – after a short population recovery – declines clearly
few decades ago. This is a pro- continued. Since 1999, this species has decreased at the same rate in both
blem for ground-nesting birds. parts of Germany.

Bird species nesting in

hedges and shrubs show less
distinct population trends:
while common nightingale and
common whitethroat now show
The farmland bird indicator contains following species:
positive trends following popu-
Black-tailed godwit Northern lapwing Wood lark lation collapse in the 1970s, the
Corn bunting Red-backed shrike Yellowhammer numbers of willow warbler and
The population of meadow pipit
halved within the last 15 years. Eurasian skylark Red kite common linnet have declined
Photo: H. Glader
Little owl Whinchat continuously.

12 13
Farmland birds
New threats Decreasing in most parts of Germany
because of damage to wet grasslands
Rapid changes in ecological and and marshes: the Eurasian curlew
political determining factors over Photo: H. Glader

the next few years could cause

further wide-ranging and imme-
diate population losses for birds
of agricultural landscapes.

As a consequence of increa-
sed crop prices and concurrent
increased demand for land used
to produce so-called energy
The common whitethroat shows a positive crops (in particular maize for bio-
trend in Germany. Photo: T. Seibel
gas) at explosive rates, the pres-
sure on farmland has risen con-
siderably in Germany, as well as
in other European countries, over
a relatively short time. A first
consequence of this develop-
ment at a European level is the
suspension of compulsory set-
aside. As a result, the proportion
of fallow land in the landscape impact on the population levels payment rates are increased and of economic plants. If GM crops
will be noticeably less from of many bird species. if the budget remains the same are cultivated increasingly in
2008. This will have a massive – a smaller total area is included the future, it must be feared that
A second consequence is the in the programme. In either case, populations of many farmland
Northern lapwings are breeding further spread of monocultures the significance of the contract birds would decline further.
increasingly in fields, where they (above all, maize), with expected based nature protection scheme
are threatend by intensive agri-
culture methods. Photo: H. Glader negative impacts on biodiversity might be weakened. The consequences of climate
in agricultural regions. Already change for farmland birds are
noticeable is loss of grassland, New and largely unexplored currently not predictable. As
which is less profitable than regarding their impacts, are climate change affects bird
arable, even more so today than the first releases of genetically habitats not only directly, but
several years ago. Many of the modified crops, with the connec- also indirectly, due to changed
most endangered bird species are ted push to intensify agricultural forms of farmland cultivation,
grassland specialists. Compensa- land. Regardless of possibly complex correlations are un-
tion payments within the frame- unwanted impacts, the wanted folded which allow only a few
work of agri-environment pro- impacts of genetically modified concrete prognoses. Birds of
grammes are likely to be uncom- crops (GM crops) currently pose grassland are likely to be parti-
petitive compared with potential a potential threat to nature pro- cularly affected, as their conser-
future earnings, with the result tection targets: GM crops allow vation status is already recorded
that either farmers will lose in- intensive landuse on an unpre- as critical.
terest in those programmes in cedented scale so far, resulting
the near future, or – if average in sterile, homogeneous blocks

14 15
Farmland birds
lations remain stable in the wider
Organic farming assists the Example yellowhammer: Numbers of yellowhammer remained constant in
biodiversity and the species
countryside of East Germany out- West Germany until 1996, but then decreased, while in the east, particularly
frequency of agrolandscapes. side reserves following declines during the establishment of agricultural set-aside, this species increased
Photo: M. Herrmann enormously and the population doubled! Since the reduction in set-aside to
in set-aside since the mid-1990s, around 10% of farmland, the population has levelled off in the east.
numbers on large scale protected
areas clearly increased, even in
recent years. By contrast, corn
bunting has almost completely
disappeared from farmland in
most regions of West Germany.

The management of wet grass-

land has also shown some pro-
gress. Through direct rewetting,
reversion of arable fields to mea-
dows and pasture often in close
collaboration with farmers – at logical diversity on agricultural fallow land, as indicated by the
least some populations could be land. These include the promo- conclusions of several research
supported at some localities. tion of organic farming and ex- projects. However, implemen-
tensive pastoral agriculture, as tation of these measures is still a
Thus, tested action strategies well as maintaining at least 10% problem.
exist to halt the decline of bio- of the agricultural landscape as

Yellowhammer show different population

Taking into account continu- To save farmland (e.g. laying out strips of fallow
trends between eastern and western
ing negative population trends, birds is possible land, skylark patches, or hedges) Germany. Photo: M. Schäf
and the massive new threats, the are some of the improvements
aim of halting biodiversity loss The knowledge of how to help that can be achieved at a local
on farmland by 2010 is likely by- farmland birds is largely availa- scale. Effective, wider-ranging
and-large to be missed. ble. A number of small measures solutions have also been tried
out. Compared with conventio-
Factor of set-aside of agricultural land: In eastern Germany between 1991 nal agriculture, organic farming
and 1996, the proportion of set-aside was temporarily very high (15-20%), but significantly increases the likeli-
then declined to 10% (example shown here is the state of Brandenburg; data:
ZALF Müncheberg). This factor proved to be significant for population trends hood of higher bird densities.
of many farmland birds.
Large scale protected areas,
e.g. biosphere reserves, can also
make a significant contribution.
For example, the population
of farmland birds developed
better on large reserves in East
Germany than in the wider
countryside. The population
trends for corn bunting, yellow-
hammer and Eurasian skylark
indicate successes: while popu-

16 17
Farmland birds
indicate dramatic population
Example corn bunting: The steep rise in eastern Germany during 1991 collapses within the next few The loss of fallows due to the production
and1996 is linked to the phase of increasing levels of set-aside. However, of energy crops threatens seed-eating birds
further increases after 1998 only occurred on large scale protected areas and years. The policy target of
like the grey partridge. Photo: M. Schäf
not in the wider countryside. halting the loss of biodiversity
by 2010, cannot be reached
in this way.

• The mainly positive develop-

ments on organic farmland
and large reserves show one
way to save the biodiversity
of our agricultural landscape.

Conclusion and
recommended
Overview of trends in • Reasons for these declines courses of action
agricultural landscape are well researched for many
species. Fallow land and Because of current increases in
• Most typical bird species of set-aside are key factors; the agricultural prices and the com-
agricultural land are decrea- cancellation of compulsory petition for land used for energy
sing; declines have accelera- set-aside and the boom in or food production, it is essen-
ted since the late1990s. “energy crops” (e.g. maize) tial to provide the second pillar
of EU agriculture policy (rural instrument for sustainable (e.g. nature conservation of
development) with efficient and development of agricultural fallow land, preservation of
well-resourced development pro- regions within the EU from species-rich grasslands, pro-
grammes and to define sophisti- 2014, motion orientated on success,
cated environmental standards enhancement of farmland,
 Improvement of environ-
for cross-compliance. In order business development pro-
mental standards of cross-
to avoid a new wave of intensifi- grammes),
compliance by compulsory
cation, with increasing declines
establishment of ecologically  Further development of the
of species on agricultural land,
important areas (e.g. farm promotion of energy crops in
the following measures are re-
woodland, strips of flowers, harmony with environment-
quired over the next few years:
managed fallow land, exten- friendly farming, by comple-
 Clear expansion of rural sive grassland) over at least menting existing promotional
development through re- 10% of farmed areas, tigh- instruments on ecological
deployment of EU agri- tening the ban on ploughing minimum-criteria (e.g. regar-
cultural payments by 20% grassland in sensitive areas, ding biogas plants, the maize
into the second pillar in the and maintaining at least proportion needs to be rest-
framework of the forthcoming three-year crop-rotation ricted to no more than 50%
mid-term assessment of the systems, as well as the maintenance of
The corn bunting benefits Common Agricultural Policy three-year crop-rotation).
 Focussing financially and in
from extensive agricultural in 2008,
methods in large scale content on agri-environment
protected areas in eastern  Creation of uniform, per- programs for particular eco-
Germany. Photo: M. Schäf
formance-related financial logical efficient measures

18 19
Forest birds
Forest bird populations have developed inconsistently. The
The Eurasian nuthatch and several The population of stock dove
forest bird indicator stagnates, but a slightly positive trend is hole-nesting birds are the winners of has increased since the end of
noticeable since the millennium. For some species, this could be forest birds. Photo: H. Glader the 1970s. Photo: H. Glader
due to increasing abandonment of rotational clear-cutting and
the trend to continuous forest use (selective cutting). However,
there are signs that improvements in forest management are
currently being negated by intensified felling. It is also notable
that overall numbers of many common forest bird species in-
crease, but that these increases actually occur outside forests,
namely in settlements, gardens and parks.

Actual trends owl and boreal owl, are also

among the winners.
Better protection of mature forest
stands and the increasing ave- Populations of nearly half of
rage age of our forests (increased 52 common forest species have
stock of wood) have encouraged increased since 1990. However, Particular losers among forest
populations of many species these increases did not occur birds are long-distance migrants,
breeding in holes, such as stock predominately or exclusively in such as European turtle dove,
dove, black woodpecker, great forests, but rather in settlements. European pied flycatcher,
spotted woodpecker, Tit species The growth of green space and tree pipit and wood warbler
and Eurasian nuthatch. Common the increasing age of trees in – species which annually cover
birds of coniferous forest, such cities, villages and gardens en- distances of several thousand
as European crested tit, fire- ables more and more forest birds kilometres between their local
crest, coal tit, Eurasian pygmy to settle in urban habitats. breeding areas and wintering
grounds in Africa. It seems that
the reasons for these declines
The tree pipit and other long-distance
are found not so much in Ger-
migrants are the losers of forest birds. many, but rather along migra-
Photo: J. Ruddek tion routes, or on the wintering
grounds.

Losers and winners can also

be found among large birds
living in forests. Combined with
the resettlement of the German
low mountain range, numbers of
black stork have increased since
the late 1980s – also a result
of intensive species protection
The Forest Bird Indicator contains following species:
measures. In contrast, the popu-
Black woodpecker Grey headed woodpecker Middle spotted woodpecker lation of lesser spotted eagle
Germany is located in the middle of
Black stork Lesser spotted eagle Willow tit decreased continuously in spite
the European natural range of beech
forests, whose area increased in the Coal tit Lesser spotted woodpecker Wood warbler of species conservation efforts
last 15 years. Photo: S.Ellermann
Eurasian nuthatch Marsh tit since the mid-1990s.

20 21
Forest birds
The breeding population of
The lesser spotted eagle – a rare
red kite – of which nearly 60% and declining breeding bird in
of the entire world population northeastern Germany – inhabits a
occurs in Germany and for mixture of near-natural woodlands
and extensive grasslands.
the conservation of which we Photo: H. Glader
therefore carry a particular re-
sponsibility – has declined by
more than 25% since the end of
the 1980s; this decrease is sig-
nificantly caused by a collapse
of the population in the core
red kite area in Saxony-Anhalt.
The population of the secretive
European honey buzzard shows
a similar trend over the same
time period. The declines are
connected to the decline of
cultivation of fodder crops
(leys) and summer cereals, as
well as the loss of insect-rich,
extensively used cultivated land-
scapes. This leads to a reduction

After a steep population increase at the end

of the 1980s the black stork recolonised wide in food supply (for example
parts of Germany. Photo: H.-J. Fünfstück common hamster, wasps), and,
in addition, prey species are also
difficult to catch due to dense
and high vegetation even in early
spring. The changes in vegeta-
tion cover and phenology are a
result of the use of agricultural
fertilisers and the nutrient effect
of atmospheric inputs.

Our woodland grouses,

western capercaillie and hazel
grouse, are also decreasing.
While the western capercaillie
suffers losses of berry-rich, well-
structured coniferous and mixed
mountain forest habitats, and in
the 1990s the last lowland popu-
lations were lost from the berry-
rich, pine-sessile oak woods of
Lusatia, the hazel grouse has

22 23
Forest birds
disappeared from many areas
The population trend of great The increase of forest birds has
spotted woodpecker is decisive
following the abandonment of occurred in settlements, but not
affected by crops of mast. traditional coppice management in the forests itself, where several
Photo: H. Glader of woodland. Woodland grouse species – as the European robin
– decline. Photo: T. Krüger
are particularly disadvantaged
by the control of deciduous
softwoods, as well as the wide-
spread suppression of natural
woodland regeneration due to
afforestation.

New threats

For several years strong growth

in demand for timber and an
increase in timber prices have birds, might decline. Frequent disturbance-sensitive species,
been noticeable. Not even the heavy use, increased numbers such as birds of prey, black stork
large quantities of fallen timber, of wood collectors and higher and common crane.
caused by storm Kyrill in January levels of use and work during
2007, could affect the price of the breeding season causes more It seems that so far, climate
timber. Pulp production, as well disturbances in old woodlands change has had no direct impact
as wood chip and wood pellet and causes the displacement of on forest birds. Some species
fired heating systems are becom-
ing more common. This means Population development of a number of typically forest birds, which show dif-
that increasingly not only good- ferent trends inside and outside of woods. Trend numbers specify the average
population change (in %) per year since 1991.
quality timber, i.e. premium
Species Trend inside Trend outside Difference
trunkwood and veneers, but also of forests of forests
wood previously considered as
European green woodpecker -1,6 +7,2 ** *
low quality (broken branches,
Great spotted woodpecker +1,4 * +5,1 ** *
dead wood, soft woods and
Winter wren +0,4 +3,6 ** **
young trees, brush) can be
used profitably. Accordingly, Common blackbird -0,2 +1,3 ** *

the felling rate has increased Eurasian blackcap +3,2 ** +7,5 ** **

strongly in recent years. Like- Garden warbler -0,4 +5,6 ** **
wise, there is a current increase Common chiffchaff -0,6 * +2,3 ** **
in the use of domestic firewood. Goldcrest -2,5 ** +8,7 * *
European robin -0,6 * +1,3 ** *
These developments might be
Great tit -0,5 +1,0 ** *
a cause for concern, as the so
far stable to positive trends for Eurasian jay -1,8 * +7,4 ** **

bird species that depend on old Song thrush -0.6 -3,1 ** *

and dead wood, such as wood- Hawfinch -1,2 -6,8 ** *
peckers, treecreepers, Eurasian Legend: Black = different trends inside and outside of forests, red = significant
nuthatch and other hole-nesting decreasing trends, * = significant, ** = high significant.

24 25
Forest birds
Overview of trends
Protection and preservation of
in forests old forests and dead wood will
be essential to maintain popu-
• Among the most common lation increases for grey-headed
forest birds, more species woodpecker and other species.
Photo: H. Glader
have increased since 1990
than decreased, but these
increases occurred mainly
outside forests, in urban areas
and parks.

• Long-distance migrants are

Seed-eating birds, such as the particularly affected by popu-
European crested tit, benefit from
heavy mast crops, which could lation decreases.
become more frequent due to
climate change. Photo: H. Glader • Hole-nesters and some large
bird species profit from the
occasional increase in old
(great spotted woodpecker, which lead to darker and denser
woods and the trend towards
Eurasian nuthatch, tits and forest stands.
permanent forests-like types
finches), which eat seeds in
of landuse.
winter, even benefit from fre- The increasing interest in
quent and strong crops of mast, cultivation of alien tree species, • Populations of some birds of
which are encouraged through often fast growing coniferes, prey, notably lesser spotted
mild winters and dry-sunny caused by the fear of climate eagle, as well as grouses still
springs. Again, here the poten- change, could also have a nega- decrease and need specific vation of the highest possible marked with badges and ex-  At actual or potential bree-
tial effect of warmer and drier tive effect on long-term popu- conservation programmes. numbers of ancient trees, as cluded from use). ding areas of lesser spotted
summers might also overlap lation trends of many species, • Potential threats are current well as a sufficient stock of dead eagle, western capercaillie
 The cultivation of alien tree
with changes in forest manage- which are tied to local forest and possible future intensifi- wood. For this, several instru- and hazel grouse, specific
species should totally be avo-
ment (reduction of clear-cutting, types and their associated inver- cation of timber use, also the ments are suitable: conservation programs need
ided in conservation areas
increase of permanent forests) tebrate species. profitable use of low-quality to be drafted and put into
 Precise formulation of and limited to a specific max-
timber, the increasing culti- action.
prescriptions for “good tech- imum (for example in public
Protection and preservation of vation of alien tree species, forests not more than 10%)
nical practise”;  The trend to promote local
dead wood could benefit the
willow tit. Photo: H. Glader as well as potential indirect outside conservation areas. deciduous trees and local
 designation of an adequately
impacts of climate change. forest companies, as well as
dense network of wide-ran-  Impacts due to activities
management to encourage
ging protected areas (total (felling, moving trees) in
mosaics of age classes and
Conclusion and reserves) and old forest potential breeding areas of
forest development phases
recommended islands; species sensitive to distur-
(for example permanent for-
courses of action bance should be limited
 “Methusalem” projects for est, individual trunk selec-
to time periods outside the
marking and preservation of tion, thinning, continuous
Top priority must be given to breeding season (October to
old trees within a wider area, cover forestry on small areas,
the protection of old trees, the February, or mid-January at
allowing them to become old and to an extent also forest
promotion of varied woodland white-tailed eagle breeding
naturally (for example, in the meadows) should become
structure and of the co-existence sites).
Brandenburg state forest 5 stronger.
of different forest development living old trees/ha are chosen,
phases side-by-side, the preser-

26 27
Urban birds
Overall, birds of urban areas show a negative trend over the The house sparrow is one of the most
last decade. Birds breeding at buildings and birds that almost common birds in Germany, but the
exclusively occur in built-up areas or depend on farm buildings population is declining.
Photo: H. Glader
on the outskirts of towns and villages, have clearly decreased.
Negative trends are caused by the loss of orchards, rural
gardens and small domestic animals. In towns, redevelopment
of buildings and building on fallow land has made it more
difficult for many birds to find nest sites.

Birds that need breeding sites vegetated industrial fallow land

on buildings have shown an and gap sites.
alarming, nationwide decline.
The four most common building Among the winners in towns
nesters in Germany – house and villages are birds that occur
sparrow, common swift, com- in green spaces, parks and gar-
mon house martin and barn dens in residential areas. Birds
swallow – show largely parallel that used to be forest species,
population declines since the such as European robin, Eura-
1990s. Eurasian collared dove sian blackcap, winter wren,
and European serin are also European green woodpecker
among the losers. Crested lark is and great spotted woodpecker,
now almost entirely absent; up belong to this group. Common
The loss of traditional livestock
to the 1960s, it was a common blackbird – next to house species of built-up areas – still farming across wide areas of
breeding bird on open, sparsely sparrow the most common show slightly growing popula- Germany has resulted in decli-
ning numbers of barn swallow.
tions.
Photo: S. Pfützke

Even though numbers of bree-

ding Eurasian magpies have
increased in towns and villages,
it is increasingly disappearing
from farmland, so that altogether
the population trend tends to
decline.

Breeding populations of
common kestrel and barn owl
have been protected for a long
time through specific recovery
programmes and by installing
The Settlement Bird Indicator contains following species:
nesting boxes. Peregrine falcons
Barn swallow Common swift House sparrow
have also profited from such
Black redstart Eurasian wryneck Western jackdaw measures, and successfully rear
Populations of common swift
and other birds of urban areas Common house martin European green woodpecker young in several cities: feral do-
are decreasing. Photo: H. Glader Common redstart European serin mestic dove are the main prey.

28 29
Wetland birds
The populations of most wetland bird species show positive for population increases of
High nutrient contents of standing
trends over the last 10 years. These increases often began common merganser. waters conducted a optimal food basis
during the second half of the 1980s, when programmes to for white-tailed eagle. Photo: H. Glader
improve the water quality of local rivers and lakes came into Red-crested pochard has
force. After high losses due to the development of water bodies also benefited from improved
during the 1960s and1970s, the populations of many species water quality: in Lake Cons-
have not recovered to their former size. After the water quality tance, the German stronghold
has further been improved, particularly for standing water for this species, stoneworts
bodies, measures must be taken with the aim of restoring wet- have spread since the late
lands to their natural state and allowing a natural dynamic of 1980s. This is the main food
water bodies. source of red-crested pochard
and so their population has
Despite enhanced wastewater nistic fish eaters, such as great increased steadily, currently in
treatments, the quality of cormorant, white-tailed eagle the southern federal states and
most lakes has not or scarcely and osprey. Increasing popula- in north-east Germany.
improved since 1990. High tion trends are also displayed
nutrient inputs from arable by birds breeding in reeds at the Over the last 20 years or
farmland (over-use of nitrate edge of water bodies, such as so, it has been observed that a
fertilisers) and slow rates of Eurasian bittern, bearded reed- high number of introduced and
water exchange cause often ling and bluethroat. escaped bird species are increa-
very high nutrient contents of singly expanding their range
standing water bodies (eutro- The water quality of rivers and in Germany. By now, almost
phic). As a result, populations streams has clearly improved. a dozen non-native waterbird
of whitefish, insignificant for Due to better visibility in water species are breeding regularly
fishery, have increased steadily, bodies, fish are easier to catch, in Germany and species such
which could benefit opportu- which might be also the reason as Egyptian goose, ruddy shel-
duck, Canada goose and man-
darin duck are in some cases The red-crested pochard benefits
spreading quite quickly. from improved water quality.
Photo: O. Nüssen

Recently, colonisation of
waterbirds has also occurred
without human assistance, for
example, breeding populations
of whooper swan and barnacle
goose increase quickly in Nor-
thern Germany. If the increase
of the globally endangered
ferruginous duck was also “un-
influenced” is not known. How-
ever, its numbers increase in
The population decline of black The Inland Waters Bird Indicator contains following species: Germany slightly, even still on
tern – caused by pollution and loss
Common kingfisher Little grebe Reed warbler a very low level, while in near-
of natural breeding sites – can be
halted with artificial nesting rafts. Common sandpiper Marsh harrier Water rail ly all neighbouring countries
Photo: C. Grüneberg
Great crested grebe Red-crested pochard White-tailed eagle the negative trend continues.

30 31
Coastal and sea birds
The “coasts and seas” indicator has remained stable over the singly lose areas of foraging ha-
Decreasing: little tern.
last 10 years. Most coastal bird species are still increasing at bitat. For energetic reasons, they Photo: J. Ruddek
the North Sea coast, but show decreasing trends at the Baltic need food-rich mud to rear their
Sea coast during the 1990s. young, and so their breeding
areas will increasingly deterio-
rate in quality. In addition, popu-
On the North Sea, increases of endangered by coastal protec- lations of these coastal breeding
some species were the result tion measures; but must also be birds, whose conservation status
of increased food resources protected from recreation acti- is generally declining, suffer in-
due to nutrient accumulation vities. This is particularly so if creasing pressure from predation,
and discards (un-used fishery one takes into account rising sea with many predators introduced
waste). Conservation measures levels, which threaten habitats or promoted by man.
in the national parks were also a of species that breed close to the
positive factor. high tide line. The population dynamics of a
typical bird species of the tran-
The status of Kentish plover Sea level rise will have a sition areas between the open
is worrying, as the breeding negative effect on bird life in sea and the Wadden Sea can be
population decreases in spite of the German Wadden Sea in the shown by the example of the
intensive conservation measures. middle- and long-term. Increased sandwich tern. Here, multiple
New concepts are necessary to energy input already means factors – including human
improve the status of shore birds, that smaller quantities of fine persecution, marine pollution
including little terns: areas of sediments, particularly mud, are (pesticides), the designation of
the German Wadden Sea Natio- deposited in front of the seawall. conservation zones (breeding
nal Park with high natural beach Birds that forage on muddy tidal sites), natural succession of bree-
and dune dynamic are not only flats, such as avocets, will increa- ding habitats and the natural

Breeding birds of sands and coastlines

– such as the common ringed plover
– are threatened by tourism as well as
rising sea levels. Photo: T. Krüger

The Coast / Sea Bird Indicator contains following species:

Arctic tern Common ringed plover Northern harrier
Northern gannet, common murre
Common eider Common tern Red-breasted merganser
and other sea birds breed only on
Helgoland, Germany‘s only off- Common murre Eurasian oystercatcher
shore island. Photo: J. O. Kriegs
Common redshank Little tern

32 33
Coastal and sea birds
dynamics of the coastal sea – in- lesser extent. In contrast, com-
Birds that forage on muddy tidal flats
– such as avocets – will increasingly lose
fluence breeding populations. mon murre numbers increase
areas of foraging habitat. Photo: H. Glader Short-term observations often only slightly, while northern
present a different picture from gannets show a clear increase.
population trends than a hun- Causes include different feeding
dred year period. strategies between species, as
well as changes in the ecosystem
In the Baltic, the situation of of the North Sea, mainly due
many coastal bird species has to climate change and fishing
deteriorated: eleven ground- activities.
breeders are nearly extinct in
Mecklenburg-Western Pomera-
nia. For many coastal birds the Conclusion and
protection and conservation of recommended
The population of northern
salt marsh as well as the conti- courses of action gannet is still increasing.
nuation of extensive pasturage Photo: S. Pfützke
 Climate change and sea
and hay cropping on coastal wet
level rise will have adverse
grasslands are all important for
impacts on coastal breeding
survival.
birds: therefore large protec-
ted areas are becoming more
On Helgoland, breeding po-
important, as birds can adapt
pulations of seabirds continued
more easily to changing con-
to increase and northern fulmar,
ditions there than elsewhere.
northern gannet and razorbill
The protection of large areas,
have reached new maximum
where natural processes are
values. Populations of black-
allowed to continue unimpe-
legged kittiwake (ca. 7,500
ded are of vital importance.
breeding pairs) and common
This is particularly the case
murre (ca. 2,500 breeding pairs)
Multiple factors for low-lying beach, dune The carrying capacity for
have now stabilised. For both
influence the bree- and salt marsh areas, as they common murre at Helgoland
ding populations of species, the carrying capacity at seems to have been reached.
sandwich tern. are greatly important for Photo: S. Pfützke
Helgoland seems to have been
Photo: H. Glader coastal breeding birds.
reached. Numbers of northern
gannets are still increasing, but  In order to safeguard future
there are signs that they will natural sedimentation pro-
reach a plateau very soon. cesses in the Wadden Sea,
measures are needed to in-
For North Sea seabirds as a crease retention areas of the
whole, it is generally the case Wadden Sea, so that enough
that following strong population fine sediment can continue to
increases over the last decades, be deposited.
different trends are now detec-
table: black-legged kittiwake
numbers are strongly declining,
those of northern fulmar to a

34 35
Alpine
Dasbirds
Wichtigste in Kürze
Bird populations in the Alps have generally stagnated over the Population trends and numbers of several montane breeding birds between 1996 and 2005, which occur only or
last 10 years, but this follows earlier declines. Reasons for this predominantly in the Alps.
generally unfavourable situation are: increasing human settle- Species Trend Population Species Trend Population
1996-2005 2005 1996-2005 2005
ment and tourist development; intensification of agriculture;
widespread eutrophication; and the abandonment of traditional Rock ptarmigan  300-600 Eurasian crag martin  30-50

types of agriculture. Urban sprawl, the development of easily Western capercaillie  580-780 Wallcreeper  100-200
accessible valley sites and the expansion of tourist centres all Golden eagle  46 Alpine accentor  700-1200
combine to open up previously remote areas. Eurasian three-toed woodpecker  730-1000 White-winged snowfinch  200-400
White-backed woodpecker  250-410 Water pipit  2000-6000
Alpine chough  2000-4000 Citril finch  3400-5500
Intensive use and fragmentation for plants are unfavourable for
Legend:  = strong decrease (> 50 %),  = decrease (20-50 %),  = stable (-20 % bis +20 %),
of alpine habitats affect sensitive an alpine insectivore.
 = increase (20-50 %),  = strong increase (> 50 %)
species, especially western
capercaillie, hazel grouse and Population declines of alpine can generally be balanced out,
The rufous-tailed rock
rufous-tailed rock thrush, as bird species occur regularly, but climate change could have thrush breeds again in the
well as mammals. The habitat of often due to poor weather condi- very adverse effects in alpine German Alps since the
citril finch, an endemic species tions at the start of the breeding regions. A warmer climate not beginning of the century.
Photo: B. Fischer
in Europe, which in Germany season, for example between only affects melting of glaciers,
breeds only in the Alps and the 1997 and 1998 for Eurasian it also causes altitudinal dis-
Black Forest, is altered more and three-toed woodpecker and placement in birds which are
more by increasing tourist devel- to a lesser extent for western bound to specific altitude
opment and by intensification or capercaillie, European robin zones. At present, for example,
abandonment of alpine pastoral and Eurasian treecreeper. For we notice the loss of water pipit
farming. Increased nutrient con- long-lived species, complete and citril finch from montane
tents and earlier growing seasons breeding failure in some years regions.

Golden eagle occurs in Ger-

First signs suggest a population
decline of the European endemic many only in the Bavarian Alps,
citril finch. Photo: H. Glader where they have been monitored
since 1998 within a species con-
servation programme. The popu-
lation is stable. However, only
25-50% of territory-holding birds
actually breed, and these with
very low success, with the result
that the population depends on
immigration. Other species with
the potential for immigration
from neighbouring European
regions are griffon vulture and
The Alpine Bird Indicator contains following species:
bearded vulture. Observations
Alpine accentor European robin Western capercaillie
of both species have recently
The Bavarian Alps are habitat for
Eurasian nuthatch Golden eagle Willow tit strongly increased due to protec-
a number of bird species, which
breed only there in Germany. Eur. three-toed woodpecker Ring ouzel tion measures and reintroduc-
Photo: N. Anthes Eurasian treecreeper Western Bonelli‘s warbler tions in other parts of Europe.

36 37
Alpine
Dasbirds
Wichtigste in Kürze
Breeding birds of the alpine In spite of low breeding success, the
mountains such as the rock golden eagle population is stabile.
ptarmigan are particularly Foto: H. Glader
threatened by climate
change. Photo: T. Krüger

A number of species, such

as rock ptarmigan and white-
winged snowfinch, breed only
in the Alps and their numbers
can only be estimated due to
the difficulty of accessing their
mountain breeding sites. Since
the beginning of the 21st cen-
tury, rufous-tailed rock thrush
has bred regularly again in the
western Bavarian Alps (Allgaeu),
having previously been recorded must be protected more strict- and dead wood, in order to
for the last time in 1983. ly from human impacts than conserve mountain forest
before. specialists, such as white-
backed woodpecker, Eura-
 Traditional landuse of old
Conclusion and cultivated landscapes (e.g.
sian three-toed woodpecker,
recommended mountain pastures and Alps)
and western capercaillie.
courses of action must be safeguarded. The  Adverse consequences of
 In order to conserve alpine separation of forest and mea- climate change can only be
biodiversity, birds within the dow has not only to consider solved through international
Alps have to be protected forestry criteria but also spe- collaboration, but in the
from general tourist activity, cies protection interests. long-term are likely to have
as well as urban sprawl and the largest impacts on the
 On the other hand, there is
habitat fragmentation. Un- species diversity of the Alps.
a need to safeguard semi-
exploited mountain regions natural forests, rich in old

38 39
Migrating waterbirds
Many millions of waterbirds rest in Germany on their annual seems to be a connection with
Bar-tailed godwits occur in large
migration and 130 different waterbird species occur regularly. industrial fishing of cockles, numbers especially in spring before
Here, they depend on a network of areas where they can identified as major cause of flying non-stop to their arctic breeding
the decline of red knot in the grounds. Photo: H. Glader
replenish their energy reserves for the onward migration, or
moult undisturbed, or spend the cold winter season. For resting, Dutch Wadden Sea and has
they use very different habitats, such as the Wadden Sea; sea subsequently been significant-
coasts with their shallow sandbanks; lakes in the lowlands of ly reduced. However, it is still
north Germany and in the foothills of the Alps; rivers and their unclear, what impacts on local
barrages; reservoirs; or sewage ponds. Due to its geographical shellfish species are caused by
location, Germany is very important for moulting, migrating the introduced Pacific oyster,
and overwintering waterbirds – and therefore has a high respon- which is spreading due to cli-
sibility for the conservation of their populations. mate change and is generally
not suitable as food for shellfish-
Germany – at the to fly for several weeks.More eating birds.
crossroads of European than half of the northwest Euro-
waterbird migration pean population of avocet also Some bird species react sen-
moult in the German Wadden sitively to changing ecological
Germany bears a very high respon- Sea. Brant goose, common conditions and the avocet, for
sibility for the protection and con- eider, Eurasian oystercatcher, which population declines have
servation of at least 15 waterbird red knot, dunlin and bar-tailed been observed over years, is a
species, and a high responsibility godwit rest here in very high good example. One possible
for another 23 species. numbers. Barnacle goose, grey reason is habitat loss due to
plover, sanderling, spotted red- climate change: even slight in-
shank and Eurasian curlew also creases in water levels mean that
The Wadden Sea occur in high numbers. mudflats are exposed for shorter
periods, resulting in a decline
Unique habitat of global Long-term negative trends of of mud areas. Avocets forage in
importance shellfish-eaters precisely these areas.
The Wadden Sea is a unique After generally positive popu-
habitat, supporting 10-12 million lation trends for all waterbirds Clear declines in some other
waterbirds annually, especially until the end of the 1980s, which species, such as brant goose Dunlin is the most numerous wader
during migration. Due to its rich can be considered as a success since the mid 1990s, seem to species in the German Wadden Sea,
with peak numbers of >700 000
food supplies, many populations due to the designation of nation- be the result of changes on the birds. Photo: S. Pfützke
depend on the Wadden Sea, al parks with large, disturbance- Arctic breeding areas: over seve-
leading to a high to very high re- free protected zones and hunting ral years, brant geese returned to
sponsibility for 13 waterbird spe- bans, recent trends of some bird the Wadden Sea with only small
cies, mainly waders. guilds are worrying: since the numbers of young, even though
1990s, the populations of spe- they had left the Wadden Sea in
Nearly the entire northwest cies that predominately feed on good body condition.
European population of common shellfish have declined over the
shelduck moult their wings in the whole Wadden Sea, including These examples show that
Waterbird numbers – as of barnacle Wadden Sea. Estimated 250,000 species such as common eider, favourable foraging conditions
goose – overall increased since the
1970s, but recent trends for some birds concentrate only at a few Eurasian oystercatcher and red and disturbance-free core zones
populations are worrying. sites during this crucial period knot, for which Germany holds are necessary for many waterbird
Photo: H. Glader
in their annual life cycle, unable a very high responsibility. There and wader populations.

40 41
Migrating waterbirds
Baltic Sea northeastern Baltic, ensure the Nearly all of the greater scaup Here, the effects of international Trends of resting populations of ducks and mergansers between 1980 and
survival of more than 1 million that occur in Germany are con- agreements for the protection of 2005. Species that rest and winter regularly in significant numbers in Germany.
International importance for waterbirds during the non-bree- centrated on a few water bodies wetlands (Ramsar convention, Gadwall 
diving ducks ding season. In particular, the close to the Baltic Sea coast. Helsinki convention) or more Eurasian wigeon  I 
The combination of extensive German Baltic Sea coast is of In particular, sheltered bays generally for migrating water-
Eurasian teal 
mussel beds, important fish international importance as an of the Baltic Sea water bodies bird species (African-Eurasian
spawning grounds and relatively overwintering area for diving called Haff (similar to a lagoon) Migratory Waterbird Agreement)
Mallard 
short periods of sea ice, com- ducks. and Bodden (shallow coastal become important. Northern shoveler 
pared to the northern and waters of the Baltic Sea) are of Red-crested pochard 
crucial importance for mute The extent to which increased Common pochard 
Overview of the waterbird species for the conservation of which Germany swan, tufted duck and smew in shipping traffic and increased Tufted duck 
bears a high or very high responsibility. A main habitat was assigned to each Germany. Many overwintering use by tourism have an impact
waterbird species. Where several biogeographical populations occur, that for Greater scaup I
which Germany has a specific responsibility is shown (in brackets). species at the Baltic Sea show on resting and moulting popu-
complex movements between lations, in particular of coastal
Common eider I
Wadden Sea and Baltic Sea
daytime roost sites (bays, small areas in Mecklenburg-Western Common goldeneye 
Very high responsibility High responsibility lagoons, or lower river courses) Pomerania, can currently not be Smew 
Brant goose (bernicla) Barnacle goose and night-time feeding areas (on quantified. Several water bodies, Common merganser I
Common shelduck Greater scaup the Baltic Sea). previously important for moul- Red-breasted merganser 
Common eider Smew ting birds, have held none in Legend:  = strong decrease (> 50 %),  = decrease (20-50 %),
Eurasian oystercatcher Grey plover Positive trends and shifts due recent years.  = stable (-20 % bis +20 %),  = increase (20-50 %),  = strong
Avocet Sanderling to milder winters? increase (>50 %),  I  = increase in the first, decline in the second part of
the period
Red knot Eurasian curlew Populations of resting waterbird
Dunlin Spotted redshank species, of which large concen- Agricultural land on agricultural land away from tat is of critical importance for
Bar-tailed godwit trations occur at the Baltic coast, wetlands. Two to three million the conservation of a total of
show positive or stable long-term Favourable conditions for birds use the available favour- 10 species, for which Germany
Agricultural land
trends. A significant cause is the foraging geese, swans and able conditions for foraging and bears a high to very high respon-
Bewick’s swan Mute swan
tendency for mild winters since cranes overwintering in Germany. In sibility.
Tundra bean goose Whooper swan
the end of the 1980s. Wide-ran- During the day, geese, swans, conjunction with disturbance-
Taiga bean goose Greater white-fronted goose
ging freezing events occur less cranes and some waders forage free night-time roosts, this habi-
Common crane Greylag goose
often and make movements to
European Golden plover
more westerly areas unnecessary. Sheltered bays and lakes
Northern lapwing along the Baltic Sea are used
At the same time, the wintering
Inland water bodies as day-time roosts by diving
distribution of species that are ducks. Photo: M. Sommerfeld
Northern shoveler Great crested grebe not sensitive to the cold have
Red-crested pochard Grey heron shifted further east, to the coasts
Common merganser Gadwall (NW Europe) of Poland and the Baltic states.
(alpine population) Northern pintail This might be one of the reasons
Eurasian oystercatcher Common pochard (NW Europe) why overwintering numbers of
Tufted duck (NW Europe) some diving duck species have
Coot declined in the German Baltic.
Black-headed gull Such regional shifts of wintering
Offshore waters
distribution are not problematic
for waterbird populations, as
Red-necked grebe
long as sites along the species‘
Black scoter
flyway are protected sufficiently.

42 43
Migrating waterbirds
population resting in Germany, land, and since the end of the
High numbers of northern lapwings Trends of resting populations of geese and swans between 1980 and 2005.
are resting in agricultural land.
with more than half of the world 1990s large roosts can also be Species that rest and winter regularly in significant numbers in Germany
Photo: H. Glader population of taiga bean goose found in the western federal
Mute swan 
in northeast Germany. As for states. Germany bears a very
brant goose, the reasons for the high international responsibility Whooper swan 
observed negative trends might for the conservation of common Bewick‘s swan I
originate in breeding areas or cranes in the western part of
Brant goose I
on migration routes. Despite their range. Due to extensive
unchanged favourable condi- protection measures along the Bernacle goose 
tions in overwintering areas, the entire migration route, breeding Tundra bean goose (A. f. rossicus)  I 
birds return from their breeding and resting numbers have in- Taiga bean goose (A. f. fabalis) 
grounds with fewer young than creased continuously since the
in previous years. The causes of 1980s. This shows that success
Greater white-fronted goose I
the population decline in taiga can happen quickly if sustain- Greylag goose 
bean goose are not yet well able approaches and concepts in
Legend:  = strong decrease (> 50 %),  = decrease (20-50 %),
understood. nature and species conservation  = stable (-20 % bis +20 %),  = increase (20-50 %),  = strong
Resting populations of swans related to declines in southeast are applied. increase (>50 %),  I  = increase in the first, decline in the second part of
Model protection concept for the period
and geese have increased in Europe, suggesting in part that a
northwest Europe since the wide-ranging shift of overwinte- common cranes
1970s. They have benefited par- ring areas has occurred. In north- Nearly the whole northwestern Inland water bodies
ticularly from favourable condi- west Europe hunting pressure is European population of common
tions in overwintering areas, with much lower than in most south- crane rests in autumn in the Large accumulations of resting
low hunting pressure in many east European countries. northeast of Germany, before birds in northern Germany and
regions, mainly mild winters and onward migration to their winter in the foothills of the Alps
energy-rich food (e.g. oilseed Bewick’s swan and taiga bean quarters. The Darss-Rügen region Grebes, ducks and mergansers
rape, winter cereals). Population goose, however, have shown is known internationally for its are the main overwintering water-
increases in northwest Europe, (clear) negative trends over the large gatherings of common birds on inland water bodies.
particularly of greater white- same period. Both species have cranes. Since the 1980s, areas Germany is of high to very high
fronted goose, are possibly very high proportions of their used for resting have spread in- importance as a moulting, res-

Intelligent and long-term sustainable Whooper swans benefit from

solutions need to be found regarding the milder winters and better food
conflict surrounding geese, swans and supply. Photo: H. Glader
cranes that forage on agricultural land.
Photo. S. R. Sudmann

44 45
Migrating waterbirds
ting or overwintering area for areas immediately surrounding overwintering areas from west many lakes, especially in the
The shallow offshore waters of
a total of 11 waterbird species their breeding grounds in south or southwest Europe to central foothills of the Alps. Its resting the Baltic Sea are an important
that occur in considerable Germany and neighbouring Europe. Here they are exposed populations have increased wintering area for greater scaup.
numbers in these habitats. The Switzerland and, according to to lower hunting pressure and, continuously since the 1980s, Photo. N. Sonntag

populations of many of these recent genetic analyses, have in addition, the migration routes and particularly rapidly on
species are very large and are been classified as a separate to their breeding areas in north Lake Constance and in neigh-
spread over a wide geographical conservation unit. Thus, appro- or northeastern Europe become bouring Switzerland since the
area. Therefore, to a large ex- priate protection measures are shorter. The area of open water 1990s. During the same period,
tent we are jointly responsible necessary for this population. in Germany is also continuously numbers of wintering red-crested
for the long-term conservation increasing (for example due to pochard declined strongly in
of species which, compared to Positive trends – with some excavation, flooding of coal- Spain. It seems that wide-ranging
others, have small biogeogra- exceptions mining areas, permanent floo- displacements have occurred,
phical populations. One third of Population trends for resting and ding of polders), which means which could be connected to
the entire Alpine population of overwintering ducks and grebes that more resting areas are avai- above-average dry years on the
common merganser, which com- that occur mainly inland are lable. At the same time, the mild Iberian peninsula. Improved
prises only approximately 4000 predominately positive. Due to winters since the end of 1980s water quality at lakes in the foot-
individuals, breeds in Germany. milder winters, several species make it possible that cold-tole- hills of the Alps has enabled the pared with terrestrial habitats it The North Sea breeding popu-
They mostly overwinter in have gradually shifted their rant species, which decades ago spread of stonewort, providing is more difficult to identify long- lation of black-legged kittiwake
still overwintered in central Eu- red-crested pochard with food. term trends and causal relation- is reduced by nearly half. De-
rope, have been able to expand At the same time, a large pro- ships. clines in northern fulmar have
their overwintering areas to the portion of the population shifted also been recorded in north Scot-
north and east. This is one of the to areas north of the Alps for North Sea land. These population changes
reasons for the decline of win- moulting. Forty percent of the Offshore areas of the North are also reflected in resting, win-
tering mallard in Germany and southwest European population Sea are most important during tering and non-breeding popu-
other west European countries. now moult their wings in south the summer when terns and lations at sea – also in areas, for
and over the last few years also gulls from the large breeding which Germany is responsible.
Among others, red-crested in northeast Germany. colonies along the coast of the The reasons for these population
pochard has benefited from Wadden Sea forage intensively declines, which do not affect all
the improved water quality of in coastal waters, as well as seabird species to the same ex-
Offshore areas around the island of Helgoland. tent, are severe changes in food
Three ecologically similar species During winter, black scoter and supply especially during recent
with different population trends: Several hundred thousand birds common eider are present in years in the northern part of the
mallard, Eurasian teal and gadwall.
Photo: J. O. Kriegs are present in offshore waters particularly large numbers, for North Sea: climate change and
of the North and Baltic Sea at which Germany bears a high to intensive industrial fishing have
all seasons – during the course very high responsibility. During caused a dramatic decrease in
of the year the number of indivi- spring migration, concentrations the numbers of sandeels, which
duals totals several million. of red-throated diver and to are an important food source for
Population sizes and the impor- a lesser extent black-throated seabirds. By contrast, snake pipe-
tance of these concentrations diver occur close to the coast, fish have increased explosively
have only been systematically two species which are very sen- in recent years, having benefited
analysed in recent years. Due sitive to disturbance. from rising sea temperatures.
both to the nomadic lifestyle However, they are particularly
especially of true seabirds and to In the North Sea, the decades- unsuitable for seabird chicks,
difficult survey conditions, many long increase in numbers of most so that young in the nest starve,
questions remain open and com- seabird species has now stopped. despite the provision of plenty of

46 47
Migrating waterbirds
birds are killed that way each  At all important sites, refuge  Interdisciplinary research  Intelligent and long-term
Due to significant numbers during
winter in offshore waters, Germany
year. The effects on population areas undisturbed by human must be intensified in the sustainable solutions need
bears a very high responsibility for trends of these losses, as well activity should be created Wadden Sea, where long- to be found regarding the
common eider. Photo. N. Sonntag as those of increasing shipping and maintained. In the Wad- term negative population conflict surrounding geese,
traffic and sand and gravel ex- den Sea, these are in partic- trends have been observed swans and cranes that forage
traction activities at important ular high-tide roosts, and in for shellfish-eaters, and at on agricultural land. The
offshore areas used for foraging the Baltic Sea food-rich shal- sea, where clear changes in same applies to the conflict
cannot currently be quantified. low offshore waters. In these the ecosystem have occurred between commercial fisheries
areas, nature conservation during recent years, in order and foraging great cormo-
should permanently take prio- to identify adverse changes rants. In both cases, solutions
Conclusion and rity over commercial interests as soon as possible and so be to solve these conflicts exist,
recommended or tourist use. able to take remedial action. which take into account both
courses of action  Sites that are important for
In particular, studies on the responsibility for conser-
food supply and quality are vation as well as the interest
wing-moulting waterbirds
Considered overall, resting urgently required. of the affected parties.
need to be granted a particu-
populations of waterbirds have
Baltic Sea larly high level of protection  The gillnet fishery in the  Long-term strategies need
prey by their parents. Long-term increased in Germany as well as
– regardless whether these Baltic must be stopped as a to be developed in reaction
consequences of these serious The species composition of the in other European countries. The
water bodies are located in- significant cause of losses to climate change and as-
changes to the ecosystem in the Baltic differs from that of the reasons for this among others
land, at the coast or offshore. that endangers foraging sociated sea level rise, to
North Sea are unpredictable. North Sea. Of the waterbird are: (1) increased conservation
During the moulting season, waterbirds. Disturbance by guarantee the availability of
species, for which Germany effort since the 1970s, which
which occurs for most birds shipping traffic must be mini- mud-rich tidal flats. Remo-
Numbers of European herring bears a high or very high respon- made disturbance-free areas
during summer, birds have mised in protected sites and ving embankments to enlarge
gull and great black-backed gull sibility, only common eider and available; (2) the introduction of
a particular need of food- should be banned from areas intertidal areas are promising
have also decreased in recent black scoter overwinter in large closed seasons, and shorter hun-
rich areas that are free of with peak concentrations of measures, and at the same
years, especially in winter. One numbers in both the North Sea ting seasons for many species;
disturbance. During this waterbirds. time useful for flood control.
important reason – actually and the Baltic. Other diving (3) the improvement of overwin-
time, many waterbird species
beneficial from an ecosystem ducks, such as long-tailed duck tering conditions due to milder  There should be a ban on
are unable to fly for several
point of view – could be a and velvet scoter, are restricted winters since the end of the hunting on EU Special Pro-
weeks.
clear reduction in the amount to more distant offshore waters 1980s; and (4) the wide-ranging tection Areas all year around.
of unused commercial fisheries of the Baltic and reach their availability of energy-rich food
by-catch (“discard”). Declines maximum resting populations sources and the emergence of Many waterbird species – such as
in European herring gull are in winter. Accordingly and in new ones. barnacle goose – rely on a network
of protected sites, comprising high-
also noticeable in the Wadden contrast to the North Sea, the quality foraging sites and sheltered
Sea. The closure of inland rub- Baltic Sea is of greater impor- However, recent trends for roosts. Photo. H. Glader
bish tips – sensible from a wider tance at this time of the year. some populations are worrying,
environmental view – is likely These species are concentra- and protection measures are ne-
to amplify this trend. The gulls ted mainly in shallow offshore cessary. In order to stop negative
found easily available and plenti- waters off the coast of Schleswig- developments with regard to
ful food at such sites in winter. Holstein, north of the Darss the 2010 target, the following
Since then, inland numbers and in the Pomeranian Bight. measures are required – in
have decreased by more than Because birds accumulate espe- particular for species for which
half. These examples show how cially over food-rich shoals, the Germany bears a high (to very
immediate human action or im- gillnet fishery in the Baltic Sea high) responsibility:
pacts can markedly affect eco- endangers diving birds foraging
systems. there and thousands of water-

48 49
Trans-Saharan migrants
In Germany, disproportionate reductions in populations of trans- Some migrant species are
Saharan migrants can be observed. This trend is evident for already under high hunting pres-
species of various habitats, e.g. in woodland birds or birds of sure in Europe. It is estimated
agricultural landscapes. According to a study by BirdLife Inter- that up to 50 000 ortolan
national, a particularly high number of trans-Saharan migrant buntings are killed every year
species are affected by population declines all over Europe. in France – a species which
These connections suggest that the cause of population decline to some extent shows large de-
in migrating birds is not only to be found in breeding areas. clines in population numbers.
This problem has been known since the end of the 1960s, when In north Africa, common quail
some songbird populations that winter south of the Sahara de- and corn crake are hunted ex-
clined considerably. This was attributed to the extreme drought tensively, but their negative
The Eurasian Golden Oriole is one
in the Sahel at the time and led to further research into the re- population trends are due to
of a number of long distance mig-
lationship between variations in populations and the conditions changed agricultural practices rants with decreasing populations.
during migration or in the wintering areas. in the European breeding areas. Photo: M. Schäf

Garganey and northern shoveler

are hunted extensively, not
Problems on migration Netherlands and in France can only during their migration in
routes and in be correlated with the outflow southern Europe but also by Euro-
wintering areas of the rivers Niger and Senegal peans in West Africa, and terns
in West Africa. The current inter- are caught for food there. How-
Most studies on this subject re- pretation is that high outflows ever, direct hunting in wintering
late to the size of breeding bird show high amounts of rainfall areas probably has only a minor
populations, or the individual and thus a more favourable food influence on population trends.
probability of survival in relation supply, which means a better The uncontrolled use of insecti-
to rainfall in wintering areas. rate of survival for birds in the cides could be more important,
Behind this is an assumption that wintering area. The probability
high and low amounts of rainfall of survival in the wintering area Number of significantly increasing Within Germany the decline of
respectively result in relatively of for example white stork, sand or decreasing bird species accor- willow warbler is stronger in the
ding to different migration strate- west than the east – a possible
poor or good food supply. This martin, common nightingale,
gies. The 97 commonest breeding indication of climatic factors as one
has an affect not only on the pro- common redstart and sedge bird species in Germany were explanation. Photo: S. Achtermann
bability of survival of migrating warbler depends on local rain- analysed. Forty six of these showed
no significant population changes.
birds, but also influences sub- fall. If the preceding wintering In contrast to short-distance
sequent breeding success. Birds period had a high amount of migrants and non-migrating birds,
disproportionately more long dis-
arriving in the breeding area rainfall the probability for barn
tance migrants show population
in a good condition are more swallows to raise a second brood declines and disproportionately
successful breeders than those increases. fewer have increasing populations.

that winter under less favourable

conditions. Unlike many other factors,
climatic influences such as
Examples of the ways in rainfall or temperatures (cold
which bird populations are in- snaps can lead to mass morta-
fluenced by conditions in winte- lity) are not influenced directly
Next to threats in the wintering region
the Ortolan Bunting is endangered by ring areas include studies which by anthropogenic activity (but
hunting in the Mediterranean region. show that populations of purple indirectly through the climate
Photo: M. Schäf
heron and little egret in the change influenced by man).

50 51
Trans-Saharan migrants
to willow warbler which has de-
Species wintering in the Sahel Population trends of long distance The population of whinchat
– such as the wryneck – show migrants between 1990 and 2000 creased in many parts of Europe. in Germany is still declining.
stronger declines than other by wintering habitats. Population Studies from the Netherlands and Photo: M. Schäf
species. Photo: M. Schäf trends for 108 European migrating
birds that winter in Africa (excluding the south of Great Britain show
sea birds and waders) were studied. that mortality rates during the
On average, species that winter in
non-breeding season rather than
dry African habitats show signifi-
cantly negative population trends, reduced breeding success is the
in contrast to other long-distance cause of declines in numbers.
migrants. This can be considered as
a clue that problems for long-dis- However, in the north of Great
tance migrants occur mainly in the Britain hardly any negative trend
African Sahel and Sudan areas (ac-
cording to Sanderson et al. [2006]:
in willow warbler numbers is de-
Long-term population declines in tectable. This raises the question
Afro-Palearctic migrant birds. Bio- whether northern populations
logical Conservation 131: 93-105).
winter in different parts of Africa
and whether they have a better
probability of survival there
than their conspecifics breeding
further south.

Also little is known of the eco-

logy of long distance migrants
in their African wintering areas.
especially if applied on a large by 14% between 1976 and 1995 Open questions indicate Even simple questions cannot Conclusion and can often not be suggested,
scale. Observed large decreases and in study areas in northern need for research be answered for many species: recommended since little is known about
in bird densities following the Nigeria, the tree population de- What habitats are used by mi- courses of action where individual populations
application of insecticides is creased by 80% in only 8 years Even though there are some hints grant birds? Where do migrating or species spend more than
 Long distance migrants are half of the year, which habi-
largely attributed to displace- (1993/94-2001/02). These drastic as to how populations of migra- birds build up the necessary fat
disproportionately affected by tats in the wintering area are
ment due to the subsequent lack negative changes are attributed ting birds can be influenced by reserves for spring migration?
decreasing population trends used, how populations and
of food. However, according solely to anthropogenic acti- the conditions in the wintering How do changes of habitat affect
all over Europe, regardless of species react to changes of
to some reports mass mortality vities, such as consumption of area or on migration, there is migrant birds? How flexibly can
systematic kinship, member- habitat and climate and how
of white storks has occurred in wood for fuel, overgrazing and often no detailed knowledge that migrant birds react to changes?
ship of an ecological guild, or the conditions in the winte-
connection with measures to conversion of natural habitats can be transferred into conserva- Do birds of open habitats benefit
habitat preference. ring and breeding areas influ-
combat red-billed queleas. to agricultural land. Studies in tion measures. For some species from the destruction of the rain-
Nigeria have also shown that the exact wintering areas are forest? What habitats do migrant  Demographic factors relevant ence each other.
As with breeding areas, the fewer migrating birds winter in still unknown. Examples of this birds use during the course of to population trends (proba-  The elimination of this huge
biggest threat to migrant birds in study areas with a decreasing are wood warbler and ortolan a wintering season and where? bility of survival in the winte- knowledge deficit would be a
wintering areas is probably the tree population. Because of the bunting, which show strongly The common factor to all of the ring area, breeding success) first step towards the under-
large-scale destruction of habi- large-scale habitat loss, many negative population trends. The points mentioned above is that can be influenced by the con- standing of population vari-
tats. This particularly applies to birds could be forced to divert main wintering area, the Senegal populations of migrant birds ditions during migration or in ation and urgently required
the Sahel, south of the Sahara. into less suitable habitats. The delta, for the globally threatened seem to depend on conditions the wintering area. protection of long distance
In Senegal, the area of some rive- likely result would be a lower aquatic warbler had not been during migration or in the win-
 Specific conservation mea- migrants.
rine acacia forests decreased by chance of survival, but also re- discovered until February 2007. tering area, but that the detailed
sures that take into account  Essentially is the assistance of
90% between 1954 and 1986. duced breeding success later, if Moreover, it is often not known knowledge of the main connec-
the wintering areas of Euro- African States to implement a
In north east Nigeria, the area of the birds arrive in the breeding where different populations of a tions is rudimentary.
pean long distance migrants sustainable land use.
wooded savannah was reduced areas in worse condition. species overwinter. This applies

52 53
Acknowledgements

Such extensive duties and responsibilities can only be met

thanks to the energetic and voluntary help of large numbers
of bird watchers. More than 5000 keen amateur ornithologists
have helped to carry out bird counts, with great
pleasure and scientific ambition. We
particularly wish to express
our gratitude to them.
Many thanks also to all
photographers, which
all provided their
excellent pictures
free of charge.

54
Contents Editorial
Dear readers, Editors
Contents / Editorial 2
Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten, Naturschutzbund Deutschland,
Key facts 3 Germany will host the 9th UN nature conservation Deutscher Rat für Vogelschutz and Deutsche Ornithologen-Gesellschaft
Bird monitoring 4 conference (“ninth meeting of the Conference of
responsible authors:
the Parties to the UN Convention on Biodiversity”)
Protection of species 6 Martin Flade, Christoph Grüneberg, Christoph Sudfeldt and Johannes Wahl
in Bonn from 19th to 30th May 2008, to which more
Critically endangered species 8 than 5.000 representatives from all over the world
Bird monitoring: A. Mitschke, C. Sudfeldt
Protection of species: C. Grüneberg, C. Sudfeldt, M. Boschert
Birds as indicators 10 are expected. The basis of the conference of the Critically endangered birds: C. Grüneberg, C. Sudfeldt, M. Boschert
Birds as indicators: A. Mitschke, C. Sudfeldt
Farmland birds 12 parties is the “Convention on Biological Diversity
Farmland birds: M. Flade, H. Hötker
Forest birds 20 (CBD)”, which was agreed at the world summit in Forest birds: M. Flade
Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and is celebrated as a mile- Urban birds: A. Mitschke
Urban birds 28 Wetland birds: C. Grüneberg, M. Boschert, H.-G. Bauer
stone for nature conservation. Here, it is expressly Coastal and sea birds: P. Südbeck, S. Garthe
Wetland birds 30 acknowledged that the conservation of biological Alpine birds: H. Schöpf, H.-G. Bauer,
Coastal and sea birds 32 diversity is in the interest of all mankind. So far, Migrating waterbirds: J. Wahl
Trans-Saharan migrants: J. Salewski, M. Flade
Alpine birds 36 189 countries, as well as the European Union have
in cooperation with:
Migrating waterbirds 40 signed the convention.
J. Blew, S. Fischer, K. Günther, B. Hälterlein, T. Heinicke, W. Knief, T. Langgemach,
U. Mammen, W. Scherzinger, H. Schumacher, J. Schwarz and A. von Lindeiner.
Trans-Saharan migrants 50
In Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, the so-called
Acknowledgement 54 “2010 target” was adopted within the framework of
Imprint 55 the CBD, in order to reduce significantly by 2010 the
Citation
rate of biological diversity loss at a global, regional Flade, M., C. Grüneberg, C, Sudfeldt & J. Wahl (2008): Birds and Biodiversity in Germany – 2010 Target.
DDA, NABU, DRV, DO-G, Münster.
and national level. At Gothenburg in 2001, the EU
„Birds and Biodiversity in Germany - 2010 Target“ had already decided to halt the loss of biodiversity in
gives a comprehensive overview about the current Europe by 2010. Imprint
status of bird life in Germany – also of the common
ISBN: 978-3-9811698-2-9
starling. Photo: T. Krüger
On the occasion of the 9th meeting of the Conference © Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten e.V.
of the Parties to CBD, the report “Birds and Biodiver- Geschäftsstelle, Zerbster Str. 7, D - 39264 Steckby
sity in Germany – 2010 target” represents a compre- „Birds and Biodiversity in Germany – 2010 Target“ is published by Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten e.V.
hensive overview of the conservation status of natio-
Layout and graphics: Christoph Grüneberg
nal bird life – representing all biological diversity.
Translation: Solveigh Lass-Evans
The report aims to inform decision makers in politics Print: Druckerei Stelljes, Münster
and administration as well as the public who are in- Cover picture: Mathias Schäf, European turtle dove
terested in the successes achieved in species conser- The report is printed on FSC-certified paper.
vation in recent years, and also to reveal the continu-
The graphics of the sustainability indicator for species diversity were kindly provided by U. Sukopp and
ing or even increasing need for action, in particular R. Dröschmeister (Bundesamt für Naturschutz, Data source: Achtziger, R., H. Stickroth, R. Zieschank, C. Wolter
in the unprotected “wider countryside”. & H. Schlumprecht (2007): F+E-Projekt „Nachhaltigkeitsindikator für den Naturschutzbereich“ - Phase 2.
Endbericht Teil A: Nachhaltigkeitsindikator für die Artenvielfalt. Unveröff. Forschungsbericht im Auftrag des BfN
The analysis is based on several million records, (FKZ 804 86 010): 196 S.

gathered by more than 5.000 bird watchers. The

evaluation allows concrete conclusions about the Available from
application of nature conservation concepts, so we DDA-Schriftenversand, Regina Kronbach, Am Hohen Hain 4 d, D - 09212 Limbach-Oberfrohna
could achieve a sustainable contribution to the pro- email: schriftenversand@dda-web.de, Tel.: +49-(0)3722-91819
tection of species diversity. On the other hand, they Nominal charge 10,00 EUR plus package and postage
also act as early-warning systems by pointing out „Birds and Biodiversity in Germany – 2010 Target“ can be downloaded for free on the homepage of the DDA
current undesirable developments, which need to be (www.dda-web.de).
stopped if the aim of preventing continuous losses of
species diversity is to be achieved.
All parts of this work are copyright protected. Any use outside the strict terms of copyright law without the agreement of the publishers is prohibited
Stefan Fischer, chairman of the DDA and may be prosecuted. This particularly applies to copying, translations, microfilm, online storage and processing in electronic systems.

2 55
 Birds and Biodiversity
i n G e r m a n y

2010
Editors

Target
The Dachverband Deutscher Avifaunisten (DDA, Federation of German Avifaunists) co-ordinates
national-wide bird survey programmes, such as monitoring of breeding and resting birds. As well
as supporting reseach on applied bird conservation, the DDA represents German nature conser-
vation organisations on Wetlands International and the European Bird Census Council.

Since more than 100 years the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU, Nature and Biodiversity
Conservation Union) is involved in practical and political bird and nature conservation. The
NABU is the German partner of BirdLife International, it is member of the DNR (German League
for Nature and Environment), and since 1971 the NABU chooses the Bird of the Year in Germany
(2008: common cuckoo).

The Deutsche Rat für Vogelschutz (DRV, German Council for Bird Protection) is a forum, which
enables the co-operation and an intensive exchange of experiences between representatives of
governmental bird conservation agencies, scientific institutions and NGOs. The aim is to give
scientifically well-founded advice to decision takers and to promote scientific knowledge and
conservation strategies.

The Deutsche Ornithologen-Gesellschaft (DO-G, German Ornithologists’ Society) is one of the

oldest scientific associations in the world. Since its formation in 1850, it has promoted ornithology
as a pure science as well as in applied research.

The Bundesamt für Naturschutz [Federal Nature Conservation Agency] has funded
the printing of this report with resources from the Bundesministerium für Umwelt,
Naturschutz und Reaktorsicherheit [Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature
Conservation and Nuclear Safety].