Agriculture from a Bird’s Eye View

Birds are often blamed for damaging crops or dismissed as pesky intruders. Yet many farmers don’t realize that Lebanon is a migratory hotspot, hosting over 41% of the world’s bird species. And while some birds may snack on fruits or seeds, many are, in fact, key allies to the land.

Think of nature as an orchestra: remove the strings or silence the percussion, and the entire symphony falters. Birds are no exception. They play a role far beyond what meets the eye.

Join us as we walk the fields with Mr. Fouad Itani, President of the Association for Bird Conservation in Lebanon, to uncover how birds are helping farmers, and why it’s time we listened to the songs they’re singing for agriculture.

Birds Are “Bad”?

Despite their beauty and song, birds are often misunderstood—especially in rural and agricultural communities. Myths and misinformation have painted them as threats, nuisances, or even omens.

One common fear? Birds equal bird flu. The association between wild birds and avian influenza has led to a general distrust, despite the fact that only certain species carry the virus. Even then, the risk can be managed with proper biosecurity measures.

Another lingering superstition? Owls bring bad luck. In areas like Anjar, owls have been heavily hunted based on folklore rather than facts. But as Mr. Fouad Itani explains, “One pair of owls can ravage around 2,000 rodent in a year.” That’s 2,000 fewer pests gnawing through harvests or contaminating grain stores from one family only. Imagine how exponential the number would be if we weren’t limiting the owl population.

“So every time someone shoots an owl,” he adds, “they’re not just harming wildlife—they’re inviting a rodent problem back into their fields.”

These deeply rooted misconceptions don’t just threaten bird populations—they actively undermine agricultural productivity. The very creatures being chased away or hunted could be saving farmers time, money, and sleepless nights.

“Every time someone shoots an owl, they’re not just harming wildlife—they’re inviting a rodent problem back into their fields.”

How Birds Are Good—in Agriculture and Beyond!

Here’s a handy tip the next time you’re observing a field: the more birds you see—and the more diverse species of birds you spot—the healthier the soil likely is. Their presence often indicates a balanced, thriving ecosystem. Their presence often indicates a balanced, thriving ecosystem. But birds do so much more than just signal the health of the land. Let’s take a look at the many ways they support agriculture and nature.

1. Pollination

Sunbirds (Palestine Sunbird): “Pollination is a critical function in agriculture, and birds are key players in this,” says Mr. Itani. The Palestine Sunbird, with its vivid plumage, flutters through gardens and orchards, transferring pollen from one flower to another.

It’s just one example of how 30% of passerines (perching birds) actively participate in pollination, aiding in the fertilization of flowers that produce the fruits, vegetables, and seeds that sustain us.

2. Pest Control

Swallows and Swifts: These agile, acrobatic birds aren’t just beautiful—they’re nature’s pest controllers. “A single swallow or swift can eat its body weight in insects every day,” says Mr. Itani. “That’s a natural army of pest controllers flying over your fields, keeping harmful insects in check without a drop of pesticide.” Swallows and swifts feast on mosquitoes, flies, and other pests, saving farmers countless hours and costs in pest management.

3. Soil Aeration

Hoopoe (Hudhud): The iconic Hoopoe, with its striking crown of feathers, does more than just hunt for insects.

“When it digs for beetle larvae, it’s also aerating the soil,” says Mr. Itani. “That action helps improve the soil’s structure, making it more fertile and healthier for crops.” While providing a feast for itself, the Hoopoe is also helping to create the conditions that farmers need for successful harvests.

3. Seed Dispersal and Reforestation

Eurasian Jay (Abou Zrei’): Ever wondered how forests regenerate naturally? “The Eurasian Jay plays a vital role by collecting acorns and burying them for later,” explains Mr. Itani. “Often, they forget where they’ve hidden them, and those acorns grow into new oak trees.” These forgotten acorns contribute to the reforestation of areas, helping forests regenerate and thrive.

Mistle Thrush (Kaykhan el Lezzab): Similarly, the Mistle Thrush spreads seeds that are vital for the survival of Juniper trees (Lezzeb), ensuring that these precious forests remain healthy and sustainable.

Eurasian Blackcap (3asfour el Teen): Birds like the Blackcap contribute to seed dispersal, too. “By eating fruits and spreading seeds through their droppings, they help new plants like figs take root in different areas,” says Mr. Itani. This natural process expands the range of shrubs and trees, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

All these benefits—and we haven’t even touched on the role of birds in the arts, the beautification of landscapes, the symbolism they carry, or their contribution to wind circulation and seed movement.

After learning about all the ways birds contribute to agriculture and our ecosystems, you’d think twice before harming one, right? Unfortunately, birds are constantly exposed to numerous threats and are being harmed by various factors.

Birds Are Disappearing, and Here’s Why

Illegal Hunting

Bird populations are in rapid decline in Lebanon, especially in farming areas. Mr. Itani takes this further by saying, “That one shot is not only killing the bird, but the lead bullet also contaminates our soils and eventually makes its way into our water sources and food.”

One prime example is the Eurasian Skylark (Tayr el Matwak), a bird commonly targeted by Lebanese hunters. “Ask any farmer about this bird in the past ten years and they’d tell you they barely see them anymore,” says Mr. Itani. “In the past, a typical hunter would shoot over 200 larks a day and display them on the hood of his car.”

Although Lebanese law permits the hunting of the Calandra Lark birds due to the belief they damage crops by eating seeds and grains, this regulation has been exploited, pushing the lark population from different species to a dramatic decrease in their population.

“In the past, a typical hunter would shoot over 200 larks a day and display them on the hood of his car.”

The Ripple Effect of Pesticides

You might think, “I’m not shooting birds, so I’m not contributing to the problem.” But even actions like poisoning pests can have a devastating ripple effect on bird populations. Mr. Itani shares an example from Jordan: “Farmers were poisoning mice to control the population. The Partridges (Hajal), which feed on mice, died from the poison. Then, foxes came to feed on the partridges and were also poisoned, which led to vultures dying after consuming the poisoned foxes. This domino effect is one of the key reasons why vulture populations are plummeting worldwide, making them endangered.”

Climate Change and Habitat Loss

Climate change is having a severe impact on birds, particularly by disrupting their food sources and migration patterns. “Severe weeks of winds and sudden drops in temperature are affecting baby birds,” explains Mr. Itani. “Imagine in spring, a strong cold front kills the babies and the adult birds as well.” These extreme weather events are not just harsh on young birds but also on the stability of entire bird populations.

Migration, too, is being heavily affected. “A lot of birds that used to migrate into our lands and play crucial roles in our ecosystems now do not make it all the way down to Africa,” says Mr. Itani. “Instead, they only migrate partially, settling in Mediterranean European areas like Italy and Spain.” This shift in migration routes has significant ecological consequences, as the birds no longer contribute to the agricultural benefits they once did in regions like Lebanon.

One clear example of this is the Eurasian Skylark, a bird species that used to migrate through Lebanon but is no longer seen due to the changing climate. In contrast, species that were never part of Lebanon’s migratory patterns are now making their way into the area. This influx of non-native species, driven by climate change, could disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems, potentially breaking the natural chain of harmony that has existed for centuries.

“A lot of birds that used to migrate into our lands and play crucial roles in our ecosystems now do not make it all the way down to Africa,”

Habitat Destruction from Urbanization

Turning lands into agricultural zones without considering the broader ecosystem also results in the loss of bird habitats. The Bekaa Valley, once known for its patchwork of colorful lands and diverse land uses, is rapidly being replaced by concrete and monocrop agriculture. This shift is contributing to the loss of natural habitats and a significant decrease in biodiversity.

Pollution and Water Contamination

Pollution, especially water contamination, is another major threat. Mr. Itani notes, “The poisonous water used in agriculture is affecting the birds and limiting their populations.” The Litani River, in particular, suffers from pollution, which not only harms birds but also poses risks to human populations.

Nature’s Pest Control – Birds or Pestides?

When it comes to pest control, birds offer a natural, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. While pesticides may seem like a quick fix, they come with long-term consequences that birds can help mitigate naturally.

• No Resistance: Unlike pests that evolve resistance to chemical pesticides over time, birds remain consistently effective year after year. There are no resistance issues, meaning birds can continue their important role in pest control without losing their effectiveness.
• Long-Term Benefits: Pesticides often provide short-lived results and can disrupt the ecological balance of farmland. In contrast, birds, as part of the natural ecosystem, offer continuous and balanced pest control without harming the environment.
• Self-Regulating Predators: Many bird species consume their body weight in insects daily, acting as free, natural, and highly efficient biological control agents. They help maintain pest populations at manageable levels without the need for costly chemicals.
• No Harmful Residues: Birds leave no toxic residues behind. Pesticides, on the other hand, can contaminate soil, water, and even pose health risks to humans when misused.

A single swallow or swift can eat its body weight in insects every day. That’s a natural army of pest controllers flying over your fields, keeping harmful insects in check without a drop of pesticide.

At the end of the day, agriculture is all about balance. While we acknowledge that pesticides still play a crucial role in modern farming—especially during times of heavy pest infestations—the key isn’t choosing one over the other. It’s about integrating both.

By adopting Integrated Crop Management (ICM), we can work in harmony with nature’s allies like birds while applying pesticides judiciously and responsibly. This holistic approach allows us to protect our crops, our environment, and our future by blending the benefits of nature and science.

How Can We Be More Bird-Friendly on Our Lands?

Creating a bird-friendly environment on our lands not only supports biodiversity but also enhances the health of ecosystems. Here are some practical ways to make your land a welcoming place for birds:

1. Install Nest Boxes
   One of the easiest ways to help birds is by providing them with safe places to nest. Many species, particularly those in urban or agricultural areas, struggle to find natural cavities for nesting. Installing nest boxes can make a huge difference, especially for cavity-nesting birds like owls, tits, and sparrows. By choosing the right type of nest box for your area, you can cater to the specific needs of local bird species, giving them a safe and secure space to raise their young.
2. Leave Hedgerows Around Lands
   Hedgerows provide birds with shelter, food, and nesting opportunities. When you leave hedgerows around your farmland, you’re creating natural corridors that allow birds to move freely, feed, and build nests. These green barriers also offer protection from wind and help maintain biodiversity by supporting a variety of plants and insects that birds depend on for food.
3. Be Smart About Pesticide Use (Integrated Crop Management – ICM)
   While pesticides are sometimes necessary to protect crops, overuse can harm birds and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. By adopting Integrated Crop Management (ICM), you can minimize pesticide use and choose natural methods to control pests. ICM emphasizes the use of birds, beneficial insects, and other natural solutions as part of a holistic pest management approach. By being mindful of pesticide application, you can ensure that bird populations remain healthy and unaffected by harmful chemicals.
4. Plant Native Trees
   Native trees are essential for birds because they provide food, shelter, and safe nesting sites. Unlike non-native species, native trees have evolved with the local ecosystem, offering the right type of insects, fruits, and seeds that birds need. By planting native trees on your land, you’re supporting local bird species and contributing to the overall health of the environment.
5. Provide a Source of Drinking Water
   Clean, accessible drinking water is vital for birds, especially in areas where natural water sources may be scarce. If your land lacks a pond, stream, or other water features, consider installing a birdbath or small water trough.

Next time you see a bird, take a moment to think…

Think about the vital role it plays in our environment—whether it’s controlling pests, pollinating plants, or helping our forests regenerate. These creatures are working hard behind the scenes to keep our land healthy, and it’s up to us to give them a little help in return.

Support organizations like ABCL – The Association for Bird Conservation in Lebanon, who are tirelessly working to protect birds and their habitats. Every small action we take, from creating safe spaces to reducing pesticide use, helps protect these natural allies.

So, next time you hear a bird or spot one in the field, remember: they’re not just part of the scenery. They’re an essential part of the balance we all depend on.