Michal Ř., Martin Š., and Tomáš K. co-authored a new study aimed to explore which factors influence bird species richness in agricultural fields. Our main contribution was bringing the insect perspective into the research. We measured the abundance, species diversity, and biomass of invertebrates. Thanks to our efforts, the birds' menu was under scrutiny! The result? Birds thrive best in diverse landscapes containing a higher number of landscape features (such as hedgerows, small woodlots, and ponds) and a greater abundance of insects (their food). The largest insect "feasts" were recorded in alfalfa fields and fallows. Thus, if we want to bring birds back to farmland, the recipe is clear: a more diverse landscape, reduced pesticide use, reasonable field sizes, and, ideally, some additional flowering areas!
Link to the full article in Landscape Ecology: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-025-02079-z.
Many thanks to our colleagues from the Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, for the opportunity to be part of this study!
Supported by: Towards the understanding of processes responsible for farmland biodiversity loss: insights from Central European birds.
