Europe and Central Asia

News Europe and Central Asia

The Eastern Imperial Eagle is classed as Vulnerable on the Red List of threatened species © BirdLife Europe

A mighty predator made helpless at the hands of humans

Fri, 05/04/2019
The eagle is a long-standing symbol of strength and glory, but though triumphant within the animal kingdom, the predator becomes the prey when the Eastern Imperial Eagle is confronted with human persecution. Can we restore one of Europe’s rarest raptors?
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Europe and Central AsiaHungary
Whether a Common Quail migrates or not is determined by its genes © BirdLife Europe

This shy bird can escape a birdwatcher’s eye, but not illegal trappers' nets

Thu, 21/03/2019
Despite its attempts to live a secretive life, the migration route of the endearingly rotund Common Quail leaves it subject to illegal trapping. Action is needed - with your help we can halt their decline and protect many other bird species at the same time.
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Europe and Central AsiaEgypt

Portugal’s Berlenga Island welcomes newest inhabitant

Tue, 19/03/2019
Our Portuguese partner SPEA is delighted to announce that a Band-rumped storm petrel chick has hatched on Berlenga Island. Sonia Neves explains why the island’s newest – and cutest – inhabitant represents a hard-won victory for seabird conservation.
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Europe and Central AsiaPortugal
Eurasian Blackcaps are illegally lured towards traps using recordings of their song © BirdLife Europe

Netted, glued and eaten whole – can we keep this songbird free?

Tue, 19/03/2019
The Eurasian Blackcap’s beautiful song has inspired humanity for centuries. But in Cyprus today, it is silenced by industrial-level illegal trapping using invisible nets or glue sticks: all to fuel an unlawful trade in local delicacies, run by organised criminals. Could education be the solution?
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Europe and Central AsiaCyprus
The Egyptian Vulture was once nicknamed the "Pharaoh's Chicken" © BirdLife Europe

World’s only tool-using vulture risks being lost forever

Thu, 28/02/2019
Hailed for its intelligence and majesty, the Egyptian Vulture was admired and worshipped throughout history. But decimated by poisoning, electrocution and illegal trophy hunting, the bird that was once an Ancient Egyptian hieroglyph is now Endangered. Can we save it before it’s too late?
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Europe and Central AsiaBulgariaEgypt
The White Stork nests rooftops and has become an iconic part of human life © BirdLife Europe

Bird that solved migration mystery now illegally killed on its journey

Tue, 26/02/2019
The White Stork, known in folklore as the bringer of babies to new parents, played a fascinating role in the discovery of bird migration. But now its migration is plagued by illegal killing. BirdLife Partners along its route are working hard to prevent this – and you can help.
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Europe and Central AsiaGermanyLebanonTurkey

Flight for Survival - Spring Migration 2019

Mon, 25/02/2019
This spring, BirdLife is telling the spectacular migratory stories of seven iconic birds – exposing the illegal threats they face along the African-Eurasian flyway.
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Europe and Central AsiaBulgariaCroatiaCyprusEgyptGreeceHungaryItalyLebanon

The Quarry Life Award

Wed, 20/02/2019
In December, BirdLife’s CEO, Patricia Zurita, attended HeidebergCement’s fourth Quarry Life Award ceremony – a contest to inspire school children, graduate students and researchers to find new and innovative ways to boost biodiversity in quarries.
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Europe and Central Asia
Bramblings in Slovenia © Ruj Mihelic

Incredible flock of 5 million bramblings wows Slovenia

Thu, 24/01/2019
Slovenia is witnessing an incredible birding event this winter. One so rare, it only happens once or twice in a decade – a huge flock of five million bramblings.
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Europe and Central AsiaSlovenia