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Common Hoopoe © Marcel Burkhardt
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016

Birds face a changing world

The state of birdlife reflects our relationship with nature and our landscapes. The atlas presents the current distribution, abundance and altitudinal distribution of all breeding birds in Switzerland and Liechtenstein with unprecedented precision. Most importantly, it highlights the profound changes that have taken place in the Swiss avifauna over the past 20 to 60 years. This comprehensive reference book provides an important foundation for the protection and conservation of native birds and their habitats.

Key findings

Overall, the number of species has remained constant since 1993–1996. But many breeding bird species have declining populations and are also experiencing range loss.

Several birds of prey have made a longterm recovery. These popular, iconic birds are well protected by law.

Farmland birds have suffered the greatest losses. While the lowlands are most affected, pressure is increasing in the mountains as well.

Conservation action has become essential. Recovery measures have succeeded in reversing the trend for several threatened species.

Many long-distance migrants have lost ground. Insectivores in particular are in steady decline.

The effects of global warming are clearly visible and have caused several species to move to higher ground.

Several woodland species have increased in number. The growing forest area, nature-friendly forest management and more deadwood have given woodland birds a boost.

Video

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016

Distribution and population trends of birds in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

Focus

Exploring topics and trends relevant to several species

The purpose of the focus texts is to illuminate overarching themes and relate them to the results of the atlas surveys. Each topic falls into one of the following categories.

Forest

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Many specialist species in open woodland
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Deadwood and old-growth stands are essential for birds
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Alpine coniferous forests and their birds
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Alluvial forests – a paradise for birds
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Natural disasters give rise to biodiversity

Wetlands, lakes and rivers

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Gaining ground: non-native bird species
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Rails: secretive life between water and land
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Herons and egrets make a comeback
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Switzerland needs large wetlands with plenty of water
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Nesting sites for gulls and terns
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Gravel-nesting birds under threat

Mountains and Alpine habitats

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Jura pastures under increasing pressure
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
The Alps – a refuge for farmland birds?

Farmland

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Agriculture has a responsibility for bird conservation
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Decline of insectivorous birds
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Lush and green – too much fertiliser harms birds
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Birds of arable land caught in a downward spiral
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
The rich birdlife of vineyards
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Gravel pits – refuges for displaced species
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Meadow birds – can they be saved?

Settlements and urban areas

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
New species still arriving in our cities

Human recreation

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
No limits to leisure activities?
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Hunting and persecution by humans

Climate

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Southern species expand northwards
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Mediterranean species in Switzerland
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Many breeding birds move to higher ground

Threats and species conservation

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Swiss bird communities in constant change
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Richer breeding bird community beyond our border
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Continued decline of Red List species
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
The return of the Bearded Vulture
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
A golden age for raptors and owls?
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Long-distance migrants in difficulty

Distribution of birds (biogeography)

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Breeding birds on our doorstep
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Unexpected breeders
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
A closer look: crows, sparrows and hybrids
Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Messengers from the east

Population monitoring

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016
Monitoring birds in Switzerland

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Schweizer Brutvogelatlas 2013 – 2016

Der Brutvogelatlas präsentiert das aktuelle Vorkommen der Brutvögel in der Schweiz. Das umfassende Werk mit über 1000 Karten, 300 Fotos und Diagrammen.

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Corrigendum

Swiss Breeding Bird Atlas 2013-2016

Peter Knaus & Nicolas Strebel, June 2020

Corrigendum
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