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The spoon-billed sandpiper Calidris pygmaea , a migratory Arctic-breeding shorebird, is one of the rarest birds and its population has declined since the 1970s. We surveyed its most important known wintering area in the Upper Gulf of Mottama in Myanmar to estimate recent (2009–2016) changes in its numbers there. The total number of small shorebirds present in the Upper Gulf was counted and the proportion of them that were spoon-billed sandpipers was estimated from sample scans. These two quantities were multiplied together to give the estimated number of spoon-billed sandpipers in each of 4 years. Total numbers of combined small shorebird species tripled from 21,000 to 63,000 between 2009 and 2016, coincident with efforts to reduce hunting pressure on waterbirds. However, the proportion of small shorebirds that were spoon-billed sandpipers declined and their estimated absolute numbers fell by about half, from 244 to 112 individuals. It is probable that loss of intertidal habitat and shorebird hunting elsewhere on the migration route of the spoon-billed sandpipers wintering at Mottama is causing a continued decline, although this is occurring at a less rapid rate than that recorded from Arctic Russia before 2010. The number of spoon-billed sandpipers wintering on the Upper Gulf of Mottama remains the highest single-site total for this species from any known wintering site. Preventing resurgence of illegal shorebird hunting and ensuring long-term protection of the intertidal feeding habitats and roost sites in the Gulf are high priorities if extinction of this species is to be averted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cirl bunting ( Emberiza cirlus L.) has been the subject of targeted and successful conservation efforts based on agri-environment schemes ( AES) in the UK since 1993. Recent work has suggested that although focused on a single species, there have been wider biodiversity benefits for plants and some invertebrates., In this study we investigated whether a similar pattern could be found for the Auchenorrhyncha (plant- and leafhoppers) within agricultural grasslands, where they form an important component of the herbivore community., Sweep netting was used to sample Auchenorrhyncha from AES pastures, on which no pesticide or fertiliser inputs are allowed, and from conventionally grazed and cut (silage) fields at 25 locations in south Devon UK, during 2008., Generalised linear mixed models and non-metric multidimensional scaling were used to model abundance, species density, and community structure., AES fields had the highest abundance, followed by conventionally grazed and then cut fields. The same pattern occurred for species density, although there was no significant difference between conventionally grazed and cut fields. There was no difference in community structure between field types., Number of plant species, sward age, and nitrogen input were important covariates of field type, suggesting that the limitations on inputs resulting from AES are the likely drivers of the observed differences., The results add to the evidence base that suggests that increased agricultural intensity is inversely related to invertebrate biodiversity. They also provide evidence that AES designed for the cirl bunting have provided wider biodiversity benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsule Yellow Wagtails successfully raised two consecutive broods in landscapes dominated by autumn-sown crops and did not require spring crops or fallow plots for later nesting. Aims To assess whether arable landscapes dominated by winter cropping provide habitats that allow Yellow Wagtails to raise two successful broods. To assess the utility of spring cultivated agri-environment fallow plots as a nesting and foraging habitat for Yellow Wagtails. Methods Nesting success and foraging behaviour of Yellow Wagtails was monitored on lowland arable farmland dominated by winter cropping during two successive breeding seasons. Results Yellow Wagtails successfully raised first and second broods mainly in winter cereals, with later nests being more successful. Some nests were initiated in bean fields where egg-stage failure rates were high, probably as a consequence of depredation. Fallow plots were not used for nesting but, along with other areas of sparse vegetation, were regularly used for foraging. Conclusions Yellow Wagtails breeding at relatively low densities achieved high rates of reproductive success in a landscape dominated by winter cereals and with few spring-sown crops. This study suggests that spring-sown crops may not be necessary for Yellow Wagtails to rear two successful broods each summer within arable landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports that agricultural intensification is being accused for the declining populations of house sparrows in Western Europe. Reduction in winter food supply; Genetic analysis; Annual productivity of house-sparrow populations.