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Exploring the Fascinating Longevity Data of Birds in Cadiz

The Longevity of Bird Species in Cádiz Province, Spain


The province of Cádiz, in the southwest of Spain, is home to a wide variety of bird species. Many of these species are long-lived, with some individuals reaching ages of over 50 years. However, the longevity of bird species in our province is declining, due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, climate change, and human activity.


We delved into the data published by Euring (European Union Ringing Scheme). The report found that the average lifespan of birds in Cádiz Province was 4.9 years. However, there was a wide range of lifespans between different species. For example, the average lifespan of a European Robin was 1.8 years, while the average lifespan of a Flamingo was 25 years.



Greater Flamingo close-up
Greater Flamingo, one of the longest living birds in Cádiz

Some of the longest-lived bird species in the province of Cádiz include:


* Greater Flamingo: 30 years


* Black-legged Kittiwake: 37 years


* Common Gull: 34 years


* Herring Gull: 34 years


* Greater Black-backed Gull: 32 years



These species are all relatively large birds with a wide range of habitats. They are also relatively adaptable to change, which has helped them to survive in a changing landscape.


However, many bird species in Cádiz are facing a number of challenges, which are impacting their longevity. One of the biggest challenges is habitat loss. The province is experiencing rapid development, which is leading to the destruction of natural habitats, such as wetlands and forests. This is making it more difficult for birds to find food and shelter.


The decline in longevity of bird species is a serious concern. Birds play an important role in the environment, and their decline could have a negative impact on other species and ecosystems.



Causes of death of birds in Cádiz Province


The causes of death of birds in Cádiz Province are multiple and varied. However, some of the most common causes include:


  • Habitat loss: As mentioned above, habitat loss is a major threat to birds. When natural habitats are destroyed, birds are left with less food and shelter, making them more vulnerable to disease and predation.


  • Climate change: Climate change is causing changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, which is disrupting the life cycles of many bird species. This can lead to birds breeding at the wrong time of year, or migrating to unsuitable habitats.


  • Human activity: Human activity is another major threat to birds. They are often killed by cars, power lines and hunting. They are also vulnerable to poisoning from pesticides and other pollutants.



Dead Little Egret hanging on a power line
An unfortunate Little Egret killed by a power line (La Janda)
  • Predation: Birds are also preyed upon by other animals, such as cats and hawks or kestrels.



Kestrel flying with a caught Barn Swallow
Kestrel has caught a Barn Swallow

What can be done to protect birds in Cádiz Province?


There are a number of things that can be done to protect birds in our province, including:


  • Conserving and restoring habitats: It is important to conserve and restore natural habitats, such as wetlands and dunes. This will provide birds with the food and shelter they need to survive.


  • Reducing human impact: We can all reduce our impact on birds by lowering our use of pesticides and other pollutants, and by being careful when driving. We can also support organizations that are working to protect birds and their habitats.


By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that the birds around us continue to thrive for many years to come.



Some remarkable findings


Take a look at some striking numbers we found in the Euring tables, referring to bird species we can observe in the province of Cádiz. Note that the particular birds may have been observed elsewhere!


Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) - 19yrs 3mths - Found shot dead

European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) - 33yrs - Controlled by ringer

Gannet (Morus bassanus) - 37yrs 5mths - Found dead

Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) - 27yrs 2mths - Seen in the field

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) - 18yrs 5mths - Found shot dead

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) - 37yrs 6mths - Found dead

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) - 39yrs - Found dead

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) - 9yrs 1mth - Found shot dead

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) - 23yrs 3mths - Found shot dead

Shoveler (Anas clypeata) - 20yrs 4mths - Seen in the field

Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) - 29yrs - Found dead

Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) - 17yrs 4mths - Electrocuted

Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) - 16yrs 1mth - Found dead

Buzzard (Buteo buteo) - 28yrs 9mths - Found dead

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) - 26yrs 11mths - Found dead

Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) - 20yrs 5mths - Found sick

Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) - 43yrs 4mths - Killed by bird of prey

Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) - 27yrs 10mths - Seen in the field

Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) - 19yrs - Seen in the field

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) - 33yrs 1mth - Controlled by ringer

Audouin's Gull (Larus audouinii) - 20yrs 11mths - Controlled by ringer

Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) - 30yrs 9mths - Trapped

Puffin (Fratercula arctica) - 40yrs 10mths - Killed by bird of prey

Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) - 17yrs 8mths - Controlled by ringer

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) - 22yrs 5mths - Found shot dead

Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)- 21yrs - Controlled by ringer

Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) - 5yrs 11mths - Controlled by ringer

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - 11yrs 1mth - Found dead

White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) - 13yrs 8mths - Controlled by ringer

Robin (Erithacus rubecula) - 19yrs 4mths - Found dead

Blackbird (Turdus merula) - 21yrs 10mths - Controlled by ringer

Magpie (Pica pica) - 21yrs 8mths - Found shot dead

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) - 19yrs 9mths - Found dead

Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) - 14yrs 1mth - Found dead


I am deeply saddened by the thought that a lot of these birds that had reached a respectable age were found shot dead. On the other hand, many data were obtained by birders in the field or ringers. The table above is only a selection of the species regularly seen in Cádiz, a complete list can be found on the Euring website. Which fact did you find the most remarkable? Let us know in the comments!



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