Aims

This bird was traditionally to be found on the extensive marshes and peatbogs throughout Europe. Today, however, it has disappeared from most of its former area of distribution. World population is estimated at 9,000 – 13,800 male songbirds, equivalent to 27,000 – 41,400 individuals. The breeding grounds for 98% of the species’ population are limited to three countries: Poland, Byelorussia and Ukraine, and 80% of the population is found at less than 40 different locations, which, in terms of conservation, is critical.

This migratory bird spends the winter in western Africa, south of the Sahara. It is reported as migrant in 13 countries, chiefly in eastern and south-western Europe, as well as in Morocco. The Iberian Peninsula is its main natural route on its annual migrations, where it rests and feeds on the wetlands.

Wetland ecosystems are scarce, fragile and vital to the survival of most migratory birds. They are currently under dire threat owing to landscape transformation (changes in the hydrological conditions at key locations, drying or drainage of wetlands, abandonment of traditional activities such as grazing in the surrounding areas) that severely impacts these aquatic ecosystems.