Distribution and density patterns of ground-breeding song-birds in summer pastures

Summer pastures are important breeding areas for ground-nesting songbirds such as Whinchat Saxicola rubetra, Skylark Alauda arvensis, Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta, and Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis. Because these areas are typically farmed less intensively than lowland areas, they serve as strongholds for threatened and declining bird populations. However, the extent to which agricultural practices, particularly cattle density, shape the distribution and density of ground-nesting songbirds remains largely unknown.

The project will assess the distribution and density of selected ground-breeding passerines through repeated monitoring across locations that span gradients in altitude and agricultural intensity. Remote sensing (e.g., LiDAR), will be used to characterize the summer pastures and relate habitat structure to bird distribution and density patterns.

This master’s project combines alpine fieldwork with data analysis. The student will monitor populations of ground-nesting songbirds and, where possible, collect data on the reproductive success of selected species. Fieldwork will take place at selected Swiss Alpine sites (e.g., VD, VS, GR), with accommodation provided. Data analysis will be conducted at the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach.

We are looking for a motivated student with an interest in conservation biology, ornithology, remote sensing and alpine ecosystems. The candidate should enjoy demanding fieldwork, work precisely, show initiative, and assume responsibility. A driver’s license and fluency in German or French are required. Experience in ornithological fieldwork and good species knowledge are desirable. The project should start no later than March 2027; fieldwork will run from April to August 2027.

The student will join the Applied Research Unit at the Swiss Ornithological Institute and will be supervised by Urs Kormann, Head of the Unit. The project offers close supervision and hands-on experience in applied alpine bird conservation research.