Winter food resources for farmland birds

Farmland bird conservation in mainland Europe has focused largely on the breeding season. However, growing evidence shows that survival during the non-breeding season is a key driver of population trends in small passerines, including residents and short-distance migrants. In the UK, agri-environmental schemes that improve access to winter food can help offset declines in granivorous songbirds, but no comparable measures currently exist in Switzerland.

The project seeks to improve our understanding of foraging ecology, during the non-breeding period in farmland bird communities by identifying their main food resources and preferred feeding habitats in lowland agricultural landscapes. The results will support the development of evidence-based management measures to increase winter food availability and contribute to the conservation of farmland birds.

The project includes intensive winter fieldwork (roughly between November 2026 and February 2027), mainly in the Orbe region (VD), where the student will conduct bird surveys across multiple study sites. GIS-derived environmental variables, complemented, if necessary, by field vegetation surveys, will be used to analyze bird community patterns and foraging habitat preferences. The student will work in close collaboration with scientific collaborators at the Swiss Ornithological Institute, especially during the data analysis phase (roughly between March and May 2027). This thesis offers practical training in ornithological field methods, ecological experimental design, and habitat selection analyses at both species and individual levels. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop field, analytical, and research skills while contributing to applied conservation science in a demanding but rewarding environment. Field work should start in beginning/mid- November and last until the end of February.

We are looking for a student with excellent ornithological knowledge and strong interest in conservation. High motivation for field work (particularly with difficult winter conditions), as well as the ability to work independently if necessary. Previous experience with R and GIS software is required and experience with statistical and in particular spatial modelling and database management is desirable. A driver’s license is advantageous.

The student will be part of Species Conservation Unit at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and supervised by Dr. Sandrine Wider (project leader).