What is the status of breeding birds in Malta?

A total of 20 species of birds are known to breed regularly in the Maltese islands, while 22 others breed irregularly or occasionally. A number of these are found in small populations and are therefore threatened.

These include Malta's national bird, the Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius), whose population has decreased in the last twenty years and the Corn Bunting (Millaria calandra) whose population has decreased to the extent that fewer than 15 singing males have been recorded annually on average in the last three years.

On a more positive note, a pair of Woodchat Shrike bred successfully in 2006 and again last year at Buskett, while at least five broods of Barn Swallows were raised last year, two of which were the first records for Gozo. With respect to distribution, the cliff areas are home to a number of bird species including among others the Blue Rock Thrush, which is confined to this habitat.

In this respect Filfla is also a very important habitat housing the largest colony of European Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis) in the Mediterranean, as well as the yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis).

Source: Sultana, J. and Raine, A. 2008. State of the Environment Report 2008 - Background report on the status of Breeding Birds in the Maltese Islands, Birdlife Malta.

Environmental tip: Avoid disturbing habitats that are vital for breeding birds, such as coastal cliffs and wooded areas.