Changes in Danish farmland habitats and their populations of breeding birds

Abstract

Habitat changes and the breeding bird populations were studied at Kraghede, N Jutland the years 1970–1980. Generally, agricultural practice was intensified leading to an increase in the area used permanently for growing barley, and the abandonment of grasslands and meadows. Animal husbandry decreased, until it was restricted to a small number of farms.These habitat changes were the largest ones to occur in the Danish landscape for some 150–200 yr and had a significant influence on the breeding birds. Species confined to the meadows, such as the lapwing Vanellus vanellus, meadow pipit Anthus pratensis and others, decreased by 50–80% or even more. Species associated with the grassland when feeding, like the swallow Hirundo rustica, starling Sturnns vulgaris and magpie Pica pica, all had lower population levels at the end of the 1970's compared to those at the beginning of the decade.