Food shortages threaten the swallow population

Dresden 12. Juni 2026 14:21 Uhr 3 Min

According to the Neschwitz Bird Observatory, the breeding populations of barn swallows and house martins—both of which nest in buildings—have declined by about half in Saxony over the past 40 years. (File photo) / Photo: Sebastian Willnow/dpa

Von: DieSachsen News

Swallows are considered good-luck charms. But now the birds themselves need a bit of luck—and human help. The number of breeding pairs in Saxony has declined significantly.

Swallows in Saxony are not doing well. “Time is running out. The reason is a lack of food. ‘We absolutely must do something to stop the decline of our swallow population,’ explained Robert Clemen, director of the State Foundation for Nature and the Environment.

Extensive grazing and the promotion of species-rich grasslands are a step toward increasing the number of small flying insects—the swallows’ food source. The revival of the traditional manure pile could also lead to “a well-stocked table for the swallows.”

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Breeding populations have declined by half

According to the Neschwitz Bird Observatory, the breeding populations of barn swallows and house martins—both species inhabit buildings—have declined by about half in Saxony over the past 40 years. They are now on the early warning list of threatened species, it was reported.

Results of the “Welcome Swallows” participatory campaign

The State Foundation and the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) in Saxony plan to present the results of the “Welcome Swallows” participatory campaign this Saturday at the Dresden Zoo. The campaign is organized by NABU and funded by the foundation. This year marks the campaign’s 10th anniversary. Its goal is to preserve nesting sites and increase acceptance among local residents.

Swallows build their nests in and on houses

The two species of birds—also known as house martins—build their nests in the immediate vicinity of human dwellings. This can lead to conflicts. People who support swallows on their property can receive the “Swallows Welcome” plaque as a token of appreciation. The campaign has been well-received so far. NABU has received more than 1,400 applications.

Small flying insects are lacking as a food source

The decline in small flying insects is considered the main cause of the population drop. “This is largely due to the intensification and decline of livestock production in rural areas. Likewise, renovations on farmsteads as well as the sealing off of spaces where swallows had previously been able to nest have led to population declines," the foundation reported. The dry summers of recent years have done the rest. There was a lack of nesting material, and dried-out nests collapsed.

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