The modernization of Czech agriculture, while boosting efficiency, is having a detrimental impact on farmland bird populations, according to recent research. A study conducted by researchers at the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences found that bird numbers are three times lower on modernized farms compared to older or mixed-operation farms. This decline extends to species diversity as a whole, raising concerns about the long-term health of the Czech countryside.
The core of the problem lies in the structural changes accompanying modern farming practices. Traditional farm buildings, with their lofts and crevices, provided crucial nesting sites for species like swallows, martins, and little owls. Newer structures, characterized by steel and timber construction, rolling walls, and closed storage systems, offer significantly fewer opportunities for birds to breed. As Martin Šálek from the Institute of Vertebrate Biology explained, These types of buildings lack the loft spaces that provide plenty of nesting opportunities for birds on old farms. There are no cavity spaces or crevices to provide shelter, and the smooth material of the walls does not allow, for instance, for swallows to effectively attach their nests.
The issue isn’t limited to nesting sites. Modernization also impacts food availability. The shift towards sand or plastic bedding, slatted floors, and mechanical manure removal systems reduces the presence of insects – a primary food source for many bird species, particularly during breeding season. All this leads to a reduction in suitable soil for insects in their development stages – the primary food source for most birds and their chicks during nesting,
Šálek added.
The decline of farmland birds isn’t unique to the Czech Republic. Across Central Europe, intensive agricultural practices have been linked to significant drops in bird populations. The little owl (Athene noctua), for example, is currently listed as an endangered species in agricultural lowland areas of the region, relying on old trees, buildings, and quarries for nesting. Research published in 2017 highlighted the importance of understanding habitat requirements for the little owl, noting its severe decline across much of Europe in recent decades.
The Czech findings, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology in 2022, add to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the trade-offs between agricultural productivity, and biodiversity. While modernization aims to increase efficiency and competitiveness, it appears to be doing so at the expense of the natural environment. The study examined 29 bird species across nearly 100 farms, providing a robust dataset for analysis.
Beyond the immediate ecological consequences, the loss of farmland birds has broader implications. Birds play a vital role in controlling insect populations, dispersing seeds, and maintaining ecosystem health. Their decline can disrupt these natural processes, potentially leading to further environmental problems. The disappearance of familiar bird species represents a cultural loss for rural communities.
Researchers are now proposing measures to mitigate the negative impacts of farm modernization. These include incorporating bird-friendly features into new building designs, such as providing nesting boxes and maintaining areas of rough vegetation. Promoting farming practices that support insect populations, such as reducing pesticide use and preserving hedgerows, is also crucial. The need for a more holistic approach to agricultural management – one that balances economic goals with environmental sustainability – is becoming increasingly apparent.
Recent research, published on January 19, 2026, also highlights the link between forest characteristics and bird abundance in the Czech Republic. A study examining bird monitoring data and forest traits found strong interactions between the two, suggesting that forest management practices can significantly influence bird populations. This research, conducted by Filip Szarvas of Charles University and colleagues, underscores the importance of considering ecological factors in land-use planning.
The Czech experience serves as a cautionary tale for other countries undergoing agricultural modernization. While increasing food production is essential, it should not come at the cost of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Finding ways to reconcile agricultural development with environmental conservation is a critical challenge for policymakers and farmers alike. The current goal of forest management in the Czech Republic, according to a study published in December 2023, is to bring tree species composition closer to its natural state, indicating a growing awareness of the need for ecological restoration.
The situation demands a shift in perspective, recognizing that healthy ecosystems are not merely a byproduct of agricultural production, but a fundamental requirement for long-term sustainability. Without concerted efforts to protect farmland birds and their habitats, the Czech countryside – and others like it – risk losing a vital part of their natural heritage.
