Increasing the breeding area as a measure to preserve a critically endangered migratory bird

The arrival of the European Roller (Coracias garrulus) in Portugal is always a highly anticipated moment for birdwatchers and nature lovers. These colorful and charismatic birds enchant anyone as they paint the sky in vibrant colors.

The Roller is a migratory, critically endangered bird that prefers open areas with extensive farming systems, sparse scrubland and sparse dehesas. It nests in ruins, in artificial structures such as nest boxes, and in tree cavities. It feeds preferentially on large insects that it hunts from roosts such as fences or telephone and electricity poles. In Portugal, the species occurs in the central and southern interior, more precisely in the districts of Castelo Branco, Portalegre and Beja. However, the species has suffered a sharp contraction in distribution in recent decades, with the exception of the Castro Verde SPA, where around 95% of the national population is found.

In order to promote the expansion of the bird's distribution area and breeding success, the PowerLines4Birds Project plans to install 50 nest boxes in Portugal on electrical supports that have been corrected with anti-electrocution measures. In preparation for the breeding season, E-Redes, a partner in this project, has installed the first nest boxes. During the course of the project, the partner NGOs (Quercus, LPN and SPEA) will monitor the boxes to check occupancy and assess the success of this measure.

The installation of nest boxes is a crucial strategy to support the reproduction of European Roller in Portugal. These artificial structures offer a safe space for European Rollers to nest, especially in areas where habitat loss has been a challenge. The choice of locations for the nest boxes has been based on studies of the species' behavior and ecology, ensuring that the structures are placed in areas with good food and shelter availability. It is hoped that this measure will favor the population growth of the species as the nest boxes are occupied, and that the success of new laying will continue to color our skies.

The LIFE PowerLines4Birds project is co-funded by the European Union's LIFE Program and aims to reduce the impact of power lines by electrocution and collision on the Iberian Peninsula for 7 priority bird species that are highly vulnerable to these threats.

This project is led by Liga para a Protecção da Natureza (LPN), and brings together, as partners, Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves (SPEA), QUERCUS, Sociedad Española de Ornitología (SEO) and E-REDES - Distribuição de Eletricidade SA (E-REDES). It also has the collaboration of ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas.

Find out more about the project at www.lifepowerlines4birds.lpn.pt/en