Number of Garden Birds Continues to Decline in Germany

The population of garden birds in Germany is shrinking, with a noticeable decline observed in common species, according to the latest bird count by the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (Nabu).

In 2018, an average of nearly 34 birds were counted per garden or park. This year, that number has dropped to approximately 28.4 birds. The situation is particularly concerning for sparrow species. While the house sparrow remains the most frequently reported bird, it has seen a 9% decrease from the previous year. The tree sparrow population has also declined by 6%.

“

The house sparrow is still number one on our list of most reported birds, but it has suffered a 9 percent loss compared to the previous year.

Martin Rümmler, a bird protection expert at Nabu, described the figures as a warning signal. "If common species like the house sparrow are reported less and less, it could be an alarm signal for the state of nature in settlements," he stated. He identified a lack of food sources and the loss of living and habitat space in cities as key factors contributing to this decline.

“

If common species like the house sparrow are reported less and less, it could be an alarm signal for the state of nature in settlements.

Sightings of swifts have plummeted by 25% compared to last year, and house martins have decreased by 12%. Rümmler noted that both species are cavity nesters and insectivores. He suggested that the decline in insects and bird-unfriendly renovations of old buildings could be impacting their living conditions. It is also possible, he added, that some birds returned later than usual from their wintering grounds.

During the "Hour of Garden Birds" count, around 56,000 people nationwide reported observing over a million birds from more than 38,000 gardens between May 8th and 10th. Participants were asked to count birds outside their homes for one hour.

“

Both species are cavity nesters and insectivores.