Farmland birds continue to decline in Portugal
This is one of the main conclusions of the latest report from SPEA’s Common Bird Census, which analyses data collected between 2004 and 2025. The farmland bird indicator shows a declining trend, as does the overall common bird indicator, which is based on 64 species. In contrast, indicators for forest and urban birds show positive trends. Despite differences between habitats, the results reveal worrying declines in several species. Eurasian skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus) show particularly steep declines. The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), little owl (Athene noctua), common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), woodchat shrike (Lanius senator), European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) and melodious warbler (Hippolais polyglotta) are also among the species showing negative trends.
“The results send a clear warning: biodiversity in agricultural areas continues to come under strong pressure,” said Hany Alonso, national coordinator of the Common Bird Census and Senior Science Officer at SPEA. „Maintaining long-term datasets and expanding census coverage is essential to detect these changes and guide effective conservation measures.”
Increased participation and wider coverage
In 2025, 52 10-by-10-kilometre grid squares were monitored in mainland Portugal, 40 per cent more than in previous years and the highest number since 2014. The work covered 1,040 survey points and involved volunteer observers. In the Azores, the census reached all nine islands, with 20 monitored grid squares. In Madeira, five grid squares and 86 survey points were covered.
Carried out by SPEA since 2004, the Common Bird Census tracks changes in breeding bird populations and produces indicators on the state of Portugal’s main ecosystems. The continuation of the programme depends on volunteer participation and stable funding for data collection, analysis and dissemination.
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