Birds Switzerland

Why birds need our help

Species decline: A high proportion of native bird species are on the Red List.

Habitat loss: urban sprawl, intensive farming, the disappearance of wetlands and the loss of natural features (hedges, old trees) are destroying nesting sites and food sources.

Food shortage: The decline in insect populations is depriving many species of their means of survival, particularly when raising their young.

Dangers in urban areas: glass fronts, traffic and domestic cats cause many injuries and deaths.

Injured birds/nestlings: Injured birds or chicks with very little plumage require professional care from wildlife rescue centres.

Cats and birds

Cats are natural-born hunters. To protect birds, we need to make it harder for them to hunt them.

• Create plenty of hiding places and nesting sites by designing your garden to be as natural as possible. Dense hedges, bushes and natural habitats provide sheltered habitats for both birds and other small animals. Avoid pruning bushes, hedges and trees from mid-March onwards at the latest.
• Protect bird nesting sites and habitats for amphibians and reptiles from cats by making it difficult for them to access these areas, for example by using wire mesh. For trees, metal or plastic sleeves are recommended. Please do not use barbed wire, as this can injure cats and other animals.
• Bird baths and bird feeders should be placed in open areas where cats cannot sneak up unnoticed.
• Hang nesting boxes at least two metres above the ground. Use nesting boxes with steep, smooth roofs that cats cannot grip.
• Check whether your cat’s hunting success decreases when it wears a coloured collar or a bell (on its safety collar) whilst outdoors.
• Have your cat neutered. Neutered cats have a smaller territory.
• Play with your cat regularly. Cats that have worn themselves out playing are less likely to feel the need to satisfy their instincts outdoors as well.
• Feed the birds generously with good quality food! As paradoxical as it may sound, numerous observations suggest that the more birds there are feeding at a feeding station, the less likely they are to fall prey to cats. The birds seem to warn one another; they expend less energy foraging and are therefore more alert. And flocks of birds are less attractive to cats because they cannot focus on a single bird.
• Keep your cats indoors for a few days when young birds are learning to fly in the neighbourhood.

Alleviate current animal suffering and prevent future misery: your donation makes it possible!