North Rhine-Westphalia bird report shows mixed species trends

The 2025 Bird Protection Report, released by the State Agency for Nature, Environment and Climate (LANUK) in North Rhine-Westphalia, reveals a polarizing trend in regional avian populations. While several species previously considered extinct in the area have made a successful comeback, other established species are facing dramatic declines.

Notable successes include the white-tailed eagle, which has been breeding in the region since 2017, and the hoopoe, which has returned to annual breeding since 2020. Additionally, the osprey successfully raised three young in 2025, marking its first successful breeding in the area since 1930. Many of these gaining species, such as the blue tit and various migratory birds, appear to be benefiting from milder winters and warmer summers caused by climate change.

However, the report highlights a shrinking middle ground in biodiversity. The proportion of declining species has increased by ten percentage points since 2019. Species experiencing significant losses include the curlew, lapwing, sparrow lark, cuckoo, and turtle dove. LANUK President Elke Reichert noted that a single species count is insufficient for assessment, emphasizing that the underlying developmental trends are what matter most.