SPECIES MONITORING
INITIATIVE

INTRODUCTION.

The BirdUTM Species Monitoring Initiative is a large-scale survey effort designed to engage birders in tracking both common and declining bird species across different regions. This initiative uses the BirdUTM grid-based survey methodology to collect standardized data, contributing to global bird conservation efforts. By participating, birders help ensure that common birds remain common while identifying trends in species facing population declines.

Unlike many bird monitoring programs that focus on rare or charismatic species, this initiative is dedicated to everyday birds—the ones we often take for granted. These species may not be the most sought-after on a birder’s life list, but their presence (or absence) tells an important story about the health of our ecosystems.

A mating pair of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) — a familiar yet often ignored species. Monitoring common birds like these provides essential data on population trends, habitat use, and seasonal breeding activity across UTM grids. © Gyorgy Szimuly

HOW IT WORKS.

Select a Target Species & Region – Participants choose one or more species from the active survey list, focusing on species relevant to their geographic region.
Survey Using the BirdUTM Methodology – Conduct surveys in allocated grid locations using the established 15-minute stationary survey method.
Submit Data & Track Progress – Upload survey results through the BirdUTM database, contributing to large-scale monitoring and trend analysis.

CURRENT SPECIES & REGIONS.

Europe

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) – Chosen due to its significant decline in urban areas across Europe. Once a familiar backyard bird, its numbers have dropped in many cities, raising concerns about habitat changes and food availability. Monitoring this species will provide insights into urban ecosystem health.
European Blackbird (Turdus merula) – Selected to ensure that common species remain common. This adaptable species thrives in gardens, parks, and woodlands, but habitat fragmentation and urbanization may impact local populations. Monitoring trends will help detect early warning signs of decline.

North America

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) – This small falcon is experiencing unexplained population declines across its range. Possible factors include habitat loss, pesticide use, and changes in prey availability. By tracking kestrels in open landscapes and farmlands, we can better understand these trends.
Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) – Chosen for its ease of detection and distinctive flight and calls. Once abundant in urban areas, Chimney Swifts are now declining due to the loss of nesting and roosting sites (chimneys) and a reduction in aerial insect prey. Their conspicuous nature makes them ideal for large.-scale public survey.

WHY
PARTICIPATE.

Contribute to Conservation: Your data helps identify shifts in bird populations before they become critical.
Join a Global Effort: Engage with a worldwide community of birders and citizen scientists.
Easy Participation: Surveys can be conducted in familiar locations, making participation accessible.

GET INVOLVED.

Sign Up for a Species Survey – Choose a species and register your survey grid.
Follow Survey Guidelines – Conduct surveys using the BirdUTM methodology.
Share Your Findings – Submit observations and help build a global dataset.

FUTURE
EXPANSIONS.

The initiative will gradually expand to additional species and regions based on participation and data quality. New species will be announced as the project grows.

Join the BirdUTM Species Monitoring Initiative today and be part of a movement that ensures our birds remain a vital part of the ecosystem!

SPECIES MONITORING INITIATIVE