Grey Partridge Named Bird of the Year 2026 Amid Conservation Concerns

The grey partridge, a species increasingly at risk in Germany, has been designated as Bird of the Year 2026 following an unprecedented level of public participation in the annual national selection. According to details shared by leading German conservation organizations, the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU) and the Bavarian State Association for the Protection of Birds (LBV), the announcement highlights ongoing concerns about the species' declining population and the broader issue of bird conservation in agricultural landscapes.

Characterized by its distinctive orange-brown head and grey breast, the grey partridge is native to open countryside and farmland across Europe. In Germany, the species has experienced a marked decline, with conservationists attributing the downturn primarily to modern agricultural practices. Increased use of pesticides, loss of hedgerows, and reduced habitat diversity have significantly impacted the partridge population, leading to their classification as highly threatened in many regions.

This year's Bird of the Year selection saw a record-breaking 184,044 participants casting votes online. Following the grey partridge, other notable contenders included the blackbird, long-eared owl, barn owl, and little grebe. The high level of engagement reflects growing public awareness and concern for native bird species and the broader ecological challenges they face.

Scientific assessments indicate that the population of grey partridges in Germany began to plummet around the 1990s. At that time, the species was already recognized as vulnerable, which led to its prior selection as Bird of the Year in 1991. Today, experts point to intensification in agricultural production, particularly the widespread deployment of chemical inputs, as the central factor driving the decline. The reduction of wildflower strips and natural cover has further limited nesting sites and food sources for the species.

Efforts to reverse the decline have included habitat restoration projects and advocacy for more sustainable farming practices. Conservation organizations emphasize the importance of creating and maintaining biodiversity-friendly agricultural landscapes, such as the establishment of buffer strips, hedgerows, and the preservation of uncultivated land. Such measures not only benefit the grey partridge but also support a wide range of other farmland species that are similarly threatened by habitat loss.

The Bird of the Year campaign, established in 1971, remains a central tool for raising public awareness and promoting conservation action throughout Germany. Since 2021, the selection has been determined by public vote, further democratizing the process and helping to build grassroots support for avian protection efforts. Previous winners have included species such as the northern lapwing for 2024 and the common redstart for 2025, each chosen to highlight specific conservation challenges and to encourage targeted action.

The grey partridge, noted for its early morning and late evening calls, plays an important ecological role in rural environments. Its continued decline signals broader environmental issues linked to intensive agriculture, loss of biodiversity, and the need for integrated conservation strategies. Conservationists hope that the renewed spotlight on the species will reinforce ongoing initiatives and foster greater collaboration among farmers, policymakers, and the public to ensure a sustainable future for Germany's native birdlife.