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Today the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre launched the updated Red List for species in Norway. The Red List is a list of species that have a risk of going extinct in Norway.
Out of all bird species concidered (232 species), a depressing third (82 species) was redlisted in the categories from near threatened (NT) to critically endangered (CR).
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Several well distributed and previously numerous species are in trouble. Species living in alpine areas are invading the list, while birds living in wetlands, mostly waders, as well as seabirds, are still in deep shit.
Critically endangered (CR) birds in Norway
Several well distributed and previously numerous species are in trouble. Species living in alpine areas are invading the list, while birds living in wetlands, mostly waders, as well as seabirds, are still in deep shit.
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Six bird species are categorized as critically endangered in Norway. Five of them was in the same status on the former Red List published in 2010.
The newcomer is the Rustic Bunting. The species has neither been widespread or common as a breeding bird in Norway, but the known populations hava decreased rapidly or vanished during the last decades. The Ortulan Bunting is also critically endangered. It has suffered from the same trend as its rustic relative, and only few pairs breed in Norway today.
The Barred Warbler is a rather new breeding bird in Norway and has always been rare. The species is not a regular breeding bird in Norway anymore.
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The breeding population of Common Guillemot Uria aalge in Norway has declined dramatically during the last decades.
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The alarming trend for the Common Guillemot is unfortunately still valid, and the edge is getting closer for this previously numerous species in coastal Norway. Both Corncrake and Lesser White-fronted Goose are still (barely) breeding in Norway, but both have a dark history and who knows how the future will bring for them. I suspect it is not too sunny.
Endangered (EN) birds in Norway
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15 species are endangered (EN). The most dramatic change compared to the former Red List are four species upgraded from the NT category: Northern Fulmar, Northern Lapwing, Stonechat and Arctic Warbler. The two latter have always been scarce breeding birds with restricted ranges in Norway.
The rapid decline of Northern Lapwings in Norway has been distressing to watch. The species has disappeared from much of its range during the last decades. The future does not look at all bright for this charismatic farmland species.
Nothern Fulmars have declined with 50-80% percent during the last 50 years, and should probably have been in this category earlier.
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The Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus is a classic farmland bird. The Norwegian breeding population is rapidly decreasing.
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The EN category also includes species such as Eagle and Snowy Owl, but the remaining majority are seabirds and wetland birds.
Vulnerable (VU) birds in Norway
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This vulnerable category includes a few newcomers to the redlist. Lapland Bunting, Eurasian Coot, Slavonian Grebe and Little Gull enters directly from being of least concern (LC).
The sad news of the appearance of the Lapland Bunting on the list is due to a negative trend during the last decade - as many other alpine birds.
When it comes to the Coot, the status is not primarily because of an actual decrease, but rather a previous over-estimat. The Norwegian breeding population counts maximum 500 pairs.
The 11 remaining species are mostly seabirds, wetland- or alpine birds. A noteworthy "positive" thing is that the Little Bunting is moved down to this category from EN.
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Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus - a newcomer on the Red List.
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Near threatened (NT) birds in Norway
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The batch of near threatened species has expanded to include 33 species. Common and widespread species such as Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Willow Grouse, Ptarmigan, Cuckoo, Sand Martin, House Martin, Bluethroat, Rook, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting make their virgin appearance on the list.
Twite, Starling and Common Gull have fortified their status in the category since 2010. The remaining species are mainly naturally scarce breeders in Norway, but all are decreasing in numbers.
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Common Eider Somateria mollissima entered the Red List for the first time.
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