Birds in intensive agricultural settings seek food far from their nests in order to reproduce successfully, according to a UMH study

by the Miguel Hernández University of Elche
June 18, 2025

A study by the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) reveals that insectivorous birds that breed on intensive agricultural plots are forced to forage in far-flung areas. They do this to compensate for the shortage of insects caused by the use of pesticides and management practices like mechanical pruning and brush clearing. This work, co-led by the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), highlights the importance of promoting diverse agricultural landscapes that help maintain bird populations, which are, in turn, beneficial for pest control.

Keep reading (in Spanish): https://comunicacion.umh.es/2025/06/18/las-aves-de-entornos-agricolas-intensivos-buscan-alimento-lejos-de-sus-nidos-para-reproducirse-con-exito-segun-un-estudio-liderado-por-la-umh/

Read the Ecological Applications paper: https://comunicacion.umh.es/2025/06/18/las-aves-de-entornos-agricolas-intensivos-buscan-alimento-lejos-de-sus-nidos-para-reproducirse-con-exito-segun-un-estudio-liderado-por-la-umh/