In Spain, a worrying trend pushes many bird species toward decline as pressures from human activity mount. Pollution, habitat loss, intensive farming, and climate change are steadily eroding the country’s rich avifauna, a trend that has persisted for years and shows little sign of reversal unless decisive measures are implemented.
Spain ranks as one of Europe’s most biodiverse nations for birds. Each year, around 622 species either reside or migrate through the country, with 572 considered native. This biodiversity carries a responsibility to protect such life, especially as conservation efforts over the last two decades have struggled to offset the effects of economic and industrial development.
The 2021 Red Book of Birds of Spain highlights a troubling landscape: roughly six out of ten of the most common species face difficulties thriving in environments that are increasingly hostile or prone to extinction. The data point to a clear need for stronger protection and proactive management of habitats and populations.
Within the bird world, notable changes are evident. Eighty years ago the situation was markedly different; the most recent Red Book, published in 2004, showed only a few species improving their threat status. Today, several iconic raptors and scavengers—bearded vulture, Bonelli’s eagle, black vulture, vulture species, Egyptian vulture, and black kite—are cited as examples of species with improved standing, while many others remain at elevated risk.
17 Percent More Threatened Species Compared with Eighteen Years Earlier
Across the broader avifauna, the overall situation has worsened for many species. Seventeen percent more birds are listed in threatened categories than in the past, while some 33 species have become more vulnerable and 60 retain the same status as before. The aggregate effect is a growing level of concern for Spain’s bird life.
To gain a fuller picture, the Red Book expanded its scope, increasing the number of studied species from 175 in 2004 to 359. This broader assessment covered a substantial portion of the avifauna, including 62.8 percent of native species recorded in the country. Among the examined species, 90 faced a threatened status, with 12 in a category that risks extinction and 51 showing an imminent threat. These figures reflect the diverse pressures acting on birds, from habitat change to climate-related impacts.
Species’ threat levels vary with lifestyle. Only about two-fifths of resident breeders enjoy favorable living conditions, while more than half of migratory or hibernating birds fare better in many cases, underscoring how migratory connectivity influences resilience and conservation outcomes.
Seabirds and Wetland Birds Under Special Strain
Wetlands and coastlines host the most at-risk groups, with several species listed as critically endangered. Many threatened birds are residents of semi-natural habitats such as managed farmlands or marshy ecosystems where human activities have reshaped ecological balance.
Pollution emerges as the leading threat, affecting a large majority of studied species. Pesticides and agricultural chemicals reduce insect prey, curbing reproductive success and compromising survivorship. Contaminants such as heavy metals and plastics accumulate in soils, wetlands, and the seas, with seabirds paying a heavy price. Light pollution further disrupts nocturnal and crepuscular behaviors in some coastal populations.
Environmental changes also drive habitat transformation across Spain. In wetlands and riverine systems, drainage, deforestation of riparian zones, and overexploitation of water resources erase critical nesting and foraging grounds. Fragmented landscapes hinder dispersal and local adaptation, stressing species such as certain storks, herons, and waterfowl that rely on intact wetland networks.
Intensive farming practices compound these issues by breaking up habitats into smaller, isolated patches. Species adapted to wide-ranging terrain that once moved freely now face barriers that limit food access and breeding success, making them more vulnerable to other stressors.
Climate change adds a new layer of risk. Shifts in temperature and precipitation alter food availability and timing of breeding, with 65 percent of assessed species already showing sensitivity to changing conditions. Escalating extreme weather events threaten both adults and chicks, particularly in late spring and early summer, underscoring the urgency of adaptable conservation approaches.
Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted strategy. The organization behind the Red Book and allied conservation groups advocate three core areas: preservation, public awareness, and targeted research. Actions span regulating pesticide use, reforming agricultural subsidies to support wildlife-friendly practices, and avoiding projects that damage critical breeding or foraging areas. Controlling invasive species, reducing hunting pressures, and reversing declines in vulnerable populations are essential pieces of the solution.
Robust monitoring and continuing research on population trends, causes of decline, and the dynamics of breeding and wintering grounds are crucial. Collaboration across protected area networks is also needed because a substantial portion of threatened birds live outside current conservation networks. Expanding and integrating networks like Natura 2000 would help safeguard many at-risk species that currently do not benefit from such protections.
For more information, researchers and policymakers point to comprehensive reports and summaries produced by national conservation groups. These materials synthesize population data, threat assessments, and practical recommendations to guide action on habitat protection, agricultural policy, and wildlife management. Attribution for this synthesis comes from the work conducted by conservation scientists and partner organizations that document Spain’s evolving bird life and the measures needed to ensure long-term viability of native species.
In closing, the state of Spain’s birds calls for decisive, informed interventions across ecosystems, farming practices, and legal frameworks. By combining habitat protection with evidence-based policy and ongoing scientific inquiry, it is possible to stabilize and gradually improve the fortunes of many species that currently teeter on the edge of decline. The path forward requires a clear commitment to conserve the air, water, and land that sustain Spain’s diverse avifauna, ensuring future generations can witness the same rich chorus of birds across the country. Citations: Seo/BirdLife 2021 assessment and related conservation reports.
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