Thüringen, May 27, 2026 – The current evaluation of the nationwide counting campaign “Stunde der Gartenvögel” reveals a worrying trend in the Free State: particularly the populations of sparrows and swallows continue to decline noticeably in Thüringen.
- Event: Results of the counting campaign “Stunde der Gartenvögel” 2026
- Publisher: NABU Thüringen
- Participants: Over 1,700 active citizens in the Free State
- Key finding: Only an average of 28.45 birds recorded per garden
Sparrows and Swallows in Decline
The count in May shows a clear negative trend for several well-known bird species in Thüringen. According to NABU Thüringen, reports for the House Sparrow (Spatz) and the Tree Sparrow dropped drastically. Other familiar species such as the Swift, the House Martin, and the Blackbird were also registered less frequently by participants.
Despite the decline, the House Sparrow continues to hold the top spot of the most frequently reported birds in the Free State with a total of 5,010 sightings. The five most counted species in Thüringen are:
- House Sparrow: 5,010 reports
- Great Tit: 2,559 reports
- Blackbird: 2,533 reports
- Starling: 2,250 reports
- Blue Tit: 2,077 reports
In contrast, a slight upward trend can be observed among finches: sightings of Greenfinches and Chaffinches were somewhat more positive compared to the previous year.
The Causes of Bird Decline
NABU Thüringen identifies a combination of various environmental factors as the main reason for the disappearance of birds in urban and rural areas:
- Food shortage due to insect mortality: Due to the massive decline in insects, many native birds lack the primary protein source for raising their young.
- Dwindling habitats in urban areas: Increasing soil sealing and sterile garden structures lead to the loss of valuable shelter and feeding areas.
- Modern building renovations: The energy-efficient renovation of buildings often unintentionally closes nesting niches under roofs or on facades, which Swallows and Swifts in particular urgently need.
🛡️ Guide: How to Turn Your Garden into a Bird-Friendly Paradise
Every garden and balcony owner can actively contribute to improving the habitat for birds with simple measures. NABU recommends:
- Prefer native plants: Focus on regional shrubs, perennials, and wildflowers. These not only provide food directly but also attract beneficial insects.
- Have the courage for wilderness: Leave a “wild corner” in the garden with tall grass, deadwood, and leaves. This promotes micro-organisms and provides hiding places.
- Provide fresh water: A shallow birdbath (refilled and cleaned daily) saves lives on hot days and is often used for plumage care.
- Install nesting aids: Artificial nest boxes on house walls or trees can compensate for missing natural breeding sites.
- Renovate in a bird-friendly manner: When carrying out construction work on the house, specifically plan for nesting stones or special built-in niches for building-nesting birds.
Source:
Fewer sparrows and swallows counted in Thüringen
Transparency note: This article was automatically generated, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.