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3mo ago

Winter Bird Count Reveals Decline in Common Species Across Germany

The annual 'Stunde der Wintervögel' survey highlights significant drops in sightings of sparrows, blackbirds, and tits, while some species like bramblings and hawfinches show notable increases.

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Overview

  • The 2025 'Stunde der Wintervögel' count recorded fewer sightings of common species like house sparrows, blackbirds, and tits compared to previous years, continuing a long-term decline.
  • Sightings of blackbirds dropped 18% nationwide, attributed to the lingering effects of the Usutu virus outbreak in summer 2024, which caused widespread illness and mortality among the species.
  • House sparrows and field sparrows also showed significant declines, with regional decreases of up to 19%, linked to habitat loss from urbanization and reduced nesting opportunities.
  • Notable increases were observed in bramblings and hawfinches, with sightings tripling and doubling respectively, attributed to their migration patterns and food availability.
  • Over 122,000 participants across Germany contributed to the survey, providing critical data to track trends in bird populations and inform conservation efforts.