The Spanish Ornithological Society, known as SEO/BirdLife, welcomed a ruling by the Extremadura Supreme Court of Justice that guards dovetail nests (Delichon urbicum) perched on balcony cornices from removal while the facade of a Montánchez building is cleaned and repainted. This decision aligns with earlier administrative outcomes and reinforces the protection of migratory birds living in urban areas across Spain. In confirming a prior directive from the General Directorate of Sustainability, Nature Conservation and Protected Areas Unit dated October 2, 2021, the court rejected a request to remove the nests, marking a clear precedent for future actions on buildings that may affect wild species protected by law. The stance underscores SEO/BirdLife’s commitment to safeguarding urban nesting sites and highlights the legal protections afforded to migratory birds in towns and cities. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]
In its reasoning, the organization explained that the rejected request aimed to secure permits under urban regulations that require property owners to maintain safe, habitable structures. The Extremadura court, however, determined that banning nest removal does not compromise safety, provided cleaning and painting operations are conducted without harming the nests. It suggested alternative, space-efficient measures to prevent contamination while preserving the nests. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]
Thousands of nests are destroyed each year due to the work
David de la Bodega, coordinator of the SEO/BirdLife Guardians of Nature project, described the ruling as a meaningful advance compared with past practices. Migratory species such as the common swift and swallow face ongoing threats when facades are cleaned or painted under the pretext of safety or maintenance. The decision signals a shift toward protecting nesting sites while allowing essential building upkeep to proceed. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]
The court noted that protected nests can be safeguarded even when exterior work occurs, provided methods are found that minimize disturbance. There is no real conflict between public safety or health and preserving nests of protected species, the judges observed. This stance places a premium on coexistence between urban development and wildlife conservation. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]
The Extremadura case sits within a broader frame of migratory birds listed under Special Conservation Regimes. The common swallow, a species with strong protection status, is part of this framework under the Birds Directive. In the region, data from the Sacre program tracked by SEO/BirdLife indicate a downward trend in certain urban-adapted species from 1998 to 2022, underscoring the need for careful balancing of maintenance work and wildlife protection. A roughly 30 percent population decline over the period highlights ongoing conservation challenges in urban settings. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]
The report from SEO/BirdLife emphasizes that protecting nesting slots should be a standard consideration, even if those slots appear empty at times. When reclamation or conditioning of buildings is necessary, it is possible to plan interventions that preserve nests while meeting safety and aesthetic goals. The Extremadura decision offers a practical blueprint for cities and towns across Europe and North America facing similar situations with migratory birds living in urban environments. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]
As regional data continue to evolve, authorities and conservation groups alike advocate for policies that harmonize public health, structural integrity, and wildlife protection. The Extremadura ruling demonstrates how courts can support non-destructive approaches to urban maintenance. It also highlights the value of science-backed guidelines and stakeholder collaboration to safeguard nesting sites during renovation work. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]
In summary, the court’s decision aligns legal protections with practical maintenance needs, ensuring that cherished migratory species continue to nest in cities while buildings receive needed upkeep. The ruling contributes to a broader movement that recognizes the importance of urban biodiversity as part of sustainable development. [Source: SEO/BirdLife]