This year, over 16,000 White Wagtails were counted across Malta, highlighting the importance of urban biodiversity and the protection of mature Ficus trees, BirdLife Malta said.

The annual White Wagtail roost count took place across Malta on the 17th of January, bringing together BirdLife Malta volunteers including birdwatchers, members of the public, and the Mayor of Valletta, Olaf McKay, to monitor the populations of this urban bird that winters in Malta.

The largest and longest-monitored roost, located in Valletta, has been counted annually by BirdLife Malta since 1985. This year, 13,686 White Wagtails were recorded roosting in the mature Ficus trees near St John’s Co- Cathedral and the Law Courts.

Additional counts recorded 923 birds in Mosta and 1,712 in Bugibba, bringing the national total to 16,326 White Wagtails. BirdLife Malta volunteers carried out the count using an established methodology from strategic locations around the capital city.

Alice Tribe, BirdLife Malta’s Conservation Coordinator, who organises the annual count, said it is one of Malta’s longest-running citizen science initiatives. “The continued support of volunteers allows us to track long-term trends while highlighting the importance of protecting urban habitats that these birds depend on each winter.”

Members of the public joined BirdLife Malta’s Public Engagement team at Hastings Gardens to witness the sunset arrival of hundreds of birds into Valletta.They were joined by the Mayor of Valletta Olaf McKay, who described the Valletta roost as a remarkable example of nature thriving in an urban setting: “Supporting initiatives like this count helps raise awareness of the need to care for our trees and green spaces for both wildlife and the community.”

Also present was a representative from APS Bank, which is supporting BirdLife Malta in raising awareness about urban birds. At the end of the event, volunteers, and members of the public gathered in front of the Law Courts, where they observed the White Wagtails settling into their roost with the help of a thermal camera, allowing the birds to be viewed without disturbance.

White Wagtails migrate each autumn from northern Europe to winter in Malta’s milder climate, gathering at communal roosts at dusk. BirdLife Malta stressed the importance of protecting mature Ficus trees, which are essential for roosting, and recommended avoiding pruning between October and March to prevent disturbance during the wintering period.

This message was reinforced a few days later, when BirdLife Malta presented the Mayor of Valletta with a certificate recording the number of White Wagtails returning each evening during this winter, and recognising the importance of caring for mature Ficus trees in supporting urban wildlife.

BirdLife Malta appealed to members of the public to help protect important roosting sites, not only in Valletta but also in other locations in Malta and Gozo where White Wagtails gather. As seen in Mosta, in recent years, public awareness and community support play a crucial role in ensuring that trees used by roosting birds are protected from indiscriminate pruning, helping to safeguard these sites for future winters.

BirdLife Malta thanked all volunteers, APS bank and the Valletta Local Council for their continued support in safeguarding this long-standing natural phenomenon.

Photos: BirdLife Malta; White Wagtail, photo by Aron Tanti and and Members of the public, the Mayor of Valletta, and APS representative with BirdLife Malta Public Engagement team at Hastings garden, photo by Joao Candeias

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