BirdLife Malta has launched The Breeding Birds of Malta; a detailed historical overview, review and update on the status of the breeding birds of the Maltese Islands, under the patronage of Dr de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Environment and Culture.

The Breeding Birds of Malta covers those birds which breed regularly and irregularly, those which used to breed, and those introduced to Malta by man. Each of the regular species is covered in impressive detail giving up-to-date information on distribution and habitat, breeding and feeding habits, conservation implications, and population trends.

Apart from decades of research and observation by the authors and BirdLife Malta, the book also pools all scientific knowledge about Malta’s breeding birds including ornithological publications dating as far back as 1840.

Dr Mark Anthony Falzon, Ornis Committee member and senior university lecturer, reviewed the book stating “I sometimes hear complaints at the Ornis Committee that there is insufficient scientific research on which to base decisions. This is not so, and The Breeding Birds of Malta gives us a taste of the goldmine of information that is available.”

The information is complemented by 450 full colour photographs, largely taken locally by local photographers, which display the birds in their full glory. The images also include stunning landscapes, flora and fauna illustrating the habitats and geography of the Maltese Islands.

BirdLife Malta President Joseph Mangion summarised “The book reveals two sides to a coin. On one hand in managed areas and the nature reserves our breeding birds are thriving and additional species are slowly establishing themselves. On the other hand, breeding birds outside these areas still face many threats.”

“Threats identified by the book are decreasing habitat due to urbanization and disturbance in existing habitat, particularly illegal hunting and trapping,” Birdlife said.

Dr de Marco, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, the Environment and Culture, closed the launch stating “Birds are important indicators of the health of our environment and biodiversity in general. Let us all work together to safeguard our breeding birds and protect Malta’s natural environment for our benefit, for that of our children, and even for the benefit of visitors to our islands.”

The authors of The Breeding Birds of Malta are Joe Sultana, John J Borg, Charles Gauci and Victor Falzon.

Hardbound copies of the book cost €33 and are available from book shops, from Book Distributors Ltd and the BirdLife Malta office.

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