Each year, the return of swallows signals the arrival of spring, filling the skies with their acrobatic flights and cheerful chirps. Yet, fewer and fewer of these migratory birds are gracing our skies. In France, this alarming trend has prompted the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO – League for the Protection of Birds) to launch a public awareness campaign that invites everyone to take action. Their call to action is simple but vital: count swallow nests.
A Nationwide Call to Action
This spring, particularly in April and May, citizens across Nouvelle-Aquitaine and other parts of France are encouraged to join a major field survey. Organized by the LPO, the mission is straightforward: observe, locate, count, and report swallow nests. This effort is not only about gathering data—it’s about creating awareness and fostering a connection between humans and these delicate flyers.
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Two main species are under scrutiny: the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) and the house martin (Delichon urbicum). Once abundant, their populations have seen dramatic declines. Since 2001, the number of barn swallows in France has dropped by 41%, while house martins have decreased by 34%, according to LPO data.
France, and Europe, Are Feeling the Impact
The decline of swallows isn’t limited to France—it’s a Europe-wide concern. However, the impact is especially pronounced in certain French regions such as Île-de-France, Bourgogne, Grand Est, and Limousin. In these areas, swallows are now classified as “near threatened” or even “vulnerable.” Without urgent action, these birds could disappear completely from some parts of the country.
Why Counting Swallows Matters
Springtime, from April to July, is the peak period for swallow activity. After spending the winter in warmer African climates, these birds return to Europe to build nests and raise their young. This makes it the ideal time to observe and record their presence—or their absence.
By counting swallow nests, participants contribute to a growing database that helps researchers monitor the species’ status across regions. The initiative also serves a legal purpose. In France, destroying a swallow nest—even an abandoned one—is against the law. Unfortunately, many nests are inadvertently lost due to home renovations, barn closures, and the transformation of rural buildings into residences.
What’s Behind the Decline?
Several factors are contributing to the decline of swallow populations, and one of the most significant is the use of pesticides. These chemicals have drastically reduced the availability of flying insects, which are the primary food source for swallows.
“Swallows hunt by flying through the air and catching what we call ‘aerial plankton’—a mix of flying insects,” explains Jérémy Dupuy, an ornithologist with the LPO. “But the insect population across Europe has dropped dramatically, and birds are struggling more and more to find food.”
Habitat loss is another major issue. Nearly all swallows now nest on man-made structures. “They’ve completely abandoned their natural nesting environments,” says Dupuy. Even minor renovations can block access to nesting spots or destroy existing nests, putting entire colonies at risk.
A Small Action With a Big Impact
Participating in this campaign requires no special expertise—just a keen eye and a willingness to contribute. Whether you’re in the countryside or the suburbs, your observations could provide vital information for researchers and conservationists. It’s a rare opportunity to take part in a meaningful effort to protect one of nature’s most beloved springtime visitors.
So, this April and May, look up at the eaves of buildings, barns, and balconies. If you spot a nest, take note. You just might help save a species.
This article is originally published on: monjardinmamaison
