Breeding success and nest predation of ground-breeding songbirds in summer pastures

Summer pastures are important breeding habitats for ground-nesting songbirds such as Whinchat Saxicola rubetra, Skylark Alauda arvensis, Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta, and Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. As these areas are less intensively farmed than lowland habitats, they act as stronghold for threatened and declining bird popula-tions. However, the breeding success of ground-nesting songbirds in summer pastures, and their contribution to population dynamics, remain poorly known.

The project will assess the breeding success of selected ground-breeding passerines through hands-on fieldwork and applied ecological research. Natural nests will be located and monitored, while a nest predation experiment with artificial nests will test the effects of predators and cattle trampling across different cattle densities.

This master’s project combines alpine fieldwork with data analysis. The student will search for and monitor nests of ground-breeding passerines such as Water Pipit, Skylark, and Whinchat, also with the help of camera traps. In parallel, artificial nests baited with quail eggs will be used in a predation and cattle-trampling experiment along an altitudinal gradient and across cattle densities. Fieldwork will take place in selected Swiss Alpine locations (e.g., VD, VS, GR), with accommodation provided. Data analysis will be carried out at the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach.

We are looking for a motivated student interested in conservation biology, ornithology, and alpine ecosystems. The candidate should enjoy demanding fieldwork, work precisely, take initiative, and assume responsibility. A driver’s license and fluency in German or French are required. Ornithological fieldwork experience and good species knowledge are desirable. The project should start no later than April 2027; fieldwork runs from May to August 2027.

The student will join the Applied Research Unit at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and will be supervised by Mat-thias Vögeli, Deputy Head of the Unit. The project offers close supervision and practical experience in applied alpine bird conservation research.