Those who sing lose themselves and find themselves again in the Czech countryside
International Bird Day
The tradition of bird conservation has its roots deep in history. As early as 1 April 1906, an international agreement was signed to protect beneficial birds, and so International Bird Day is traditionally celebrated on April Fools’ Day. In the Czech Republic, however, this tradition has an even longer history – we were already celebrating Bird Day as far back as 1900.
Birds are closer than you might think. All you need to do is head out into nature – in spring, when bird migration is at its peak, the countryside is full of song and movement. You could, for example, visit the ponds in the Třeboň region, the floodplain forests of South Moravia, bird parks, or make use of nature trails with observation huts. Great places to visit include the area around Novozámecký Pond, Heřmanický Pond in Ostrava, or the Lednice Ponds. Just stop for a moment, listen, and you’ll soon discover that the world of birds is closer than you previously thought.
Bird of the Year 2026: the blackcap, the voice of spring gardens
Not particularly conspicuous, but clearly audible. The blackcap is one of the finest singers among our birds, and in spring you’ll find it in parks, gardens and on the edges of woods. The male has a distinctive black ‘cap’, the female is brown, but both have a beautiful, flute-like song.
You can spot it almost anywhere – perhaps whilst strolling through a city park or at Ostrava Zoo and Botanical Garden. Just don’t look for it in cages; you’re more likely to find it in the bushes along the paths – where life goes on even without signs or feeding stations.
Bird of the Year 2025: the grey wagtail, dancer of mountain streams
A slender songbird with a long tail that constantly wags – this is precisely what has earned it folk names such as ‘waggle-tail’, ‘waggle-butt’, ‘waggle-tail’ or ‘waggle-bird’. The grey wagtail loves clean mountain and foothill streams, where it runs across the stones and catches insects. Head out to the Beskydy, Jeseníky or Šumava mountains to spot it – ideally to mountain streams where the water sings just as it does.
Bird of the Year 2024: the house martin, our neighbour on the rooftops
The house martin has grown accustomed to human presence – it nests on houses, in industrial areas and in historic city centres. This little bird is recognisable by its rust-coloured tail and black-grey plumage. Its common name is the house martin, and you too might spot it whilst sightseeing – it often settles on old city walls, castles or industrial buildings.
Bird of the Year 2023: the common pochard, a quiet inhabitant of ponds
An inconspicuous duck that usually spends its time on the water and beneath the surface. The common pochard is a diving duck and often disappears from view as quickly as it appears. You’re most likely to spot it on ponds – head to Vrbenský Pond, the confluence of the Bečva and Morava rivers, or Bohdaneč Pond.
Bird of the Year 2022: the greenfinch, a garden bird that is disappearing
Once a common visitor to bird feeders and gardens, today it is a species in sharp decline. The greenfinch has also been adversely affected by viral diseases spreading at bird feeders. If you want to help save it, it doesn’t take much – simply clean your bird feeders regularly and keep an eye on which birds visit your garden.
Bird of the Year 2021: the common buzzard, master of soaring over the landscape
Our most common bird of prey is the common buzzard. You may have already seen it perched on a pole by the roadside or gliding high above a field. You’re most likely to spot it in open areas – such as the Vysočina region, the Polabí region or on the edges of forests, where it patiently watches for prey.
Bird of the Year 2020: the barn swallow, builder of mud nests
It has long been considered a good omen when house martins nest on a house – you can recognise them by the nests stuck under the eaves. They are a symbol of summer, but their numbers are falling – there are fewer suitable nesting sites and fewer insects on which they feed. Next time you go for a walk in a village or small town, take a look under the eaves – you might discover a small “bird estate”.
Bird of the Year 2019: the Eurasian collared dove, the voice of a vanishing landscape
The gentle cooing of the Eurasian collared dove was once one of the typical sounds of the countryside. Today, this elegant bird is rapidly disappearing from our landscape. You are more likely to encounter it rarely – in open agricultural countryside with scrub and copses, which are gradually disappearing.
Bird of the Year 2018: Little Owl, the night-time guardian of old barns
This small owl with large eyes was once a common sight in the countryside. Today, the little owl is one of the most endangered birds in our country – it is disappearing along with old farm buildings and the traditional landscape. If you do come across one, it is more likely to be in open agricultural countryside – for example in the Polabí region or in South Moravia, where local conservationists are trying to reintroduce it.
Bird of the Year 2017: the black woodpecker, the forest drummer
Europe’s largest woodpecker is unmistakable not only for its size but also for its loud ‘drumming’ on trees. The hollows it hollows out are then used by dozens of other bird species. Head out to look for it in older forests – for example, in the Krkonoše Mountains or the deep forests of the Vysočina region.
Bird of the Year 2016: European robin, a small singer with a big heart
A small bird with an orange breast, unafraid of people and often accompanying you along forest paths. It is a symbol of peaceful walks in nature. You’ll hear it almost everywhere – in parks, gardens and forests, for example in the Křivoklát region or in town parks. You can even go on a trip to Červenka – on the Kudy z nudy website, you’ll discover the Červenka fortified settlement and, a short distance from Litovel, the village of Červenka with its Way of the Cross.
Bird of the Year 2015: the black-necked grebe, elegance on the water’s surface
Grebes are excellent swimmers – they spend most of their time on the water’s surface. Look for them on quieter ponds and reservoirs, for example in the Třeboň region or in South Moravia.
Bird of the Year 2014: the white stork and the black stork, two worlds of a single symbol
Whilst the white stork nests on chimneys and near people, its relative, the black stork, prefers quiet woodland environments. Yet these two similar birds lead completely different lives. You might spot a white stork in villages or on nests by the roadside, whilst you are more likely to find a black stork in deep forests and protected nature reserves.
Bird of the Year 2013: the sand martin, a resident of sand pits
A small swallow that digs its nests into steep sandy slopes. Sand martins used to be a common sight along rivers, but now, due to their way of life, they are often confined to sand pits and quarries. Head to sand pits or larger rivers – for example, along the Elbe or Morava, where sand martins nest in colonies.
Bird of the Year 2012: the capercaillie, king of the mountain forests
An impressive bird that has become a symbol of the wild. The capercaillie needs quiet, vast forests – and it is precisely this kind of environment that is gradually disappearing. Conservation of this species is linked in particular to the Modrý sloup border crossing in the Šumava Mountains. Rather than encountering capercaillies, you are more likely to experience silence and a sense of respect for the place where they live. You can, however, also set off along the Capercaillie Trail or visit the Capercaillie Lookout Tower in the Beskydy Mountains.
Bird of the Year 2011: the yellowhammer, song of the summer fields
Its simple yet unmistakable song is one of the common sounds of the countryside. The yellowhammer perches on bushes, fences or power lines. You will hear it mainly in open countryside – on hedgerows, fields and meadows.
Bird of the Year 2010: Common Cuckoo, the voice of spring
The cuckoo is the embodiment of spring and also represents a unique way of life, as it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. You can hear it during spring both in the woods and on the edges of meadows – for example, on a trip to the foothills or the countryside.
Bird of the Year 2009: dipper, diver of mountain rivers
An inconspicuous bird that can dive and walk upstream along the riverbed. The dipper is dependent on clean, fast-flowing waters.
Bird of the Year 2008: Black-headed Gull, the voice of water
Everyone who has ever been near water is familiar with its “cackling”. The black-headed gull is a typical inhabitant of ponds and lakes, and you will encounter it on practically every large body of water.
Bird of the Year 2007: Common Nightingale, master of song
One of the finest singers in the bird world. The nightingale often sings at night, and its song is one of the most beautiful sounds of spring. Head out to the floodplain forests and water bodies to hear it.
Bird of the Year 2006: White-tailed Eagle, the return of the king of the skies
The largest bird of prey found over our waters is returning to the Czech countryside after many years. Its wingspan reaches up to two and a half metres. The white-tailed eagle is found, for example, in the Třeboň region or in areas around major rivers.
Bird of the Year 2005: Skylark, singing high above the fields
Skylarks make themselves heard before you even see them – they sing high above the landscape, where they almost disappear into the sky. Their song is one of the traditional sounds of the Czech countryside.
Bird of the Year 2004: Common Swift, acrobat of the urban skies
The common swift spends most of its life in the air – eating, drinking and even sleeping whilst in flight. It nests in the crevices of houses and historic buildings, but often disappears during renovations. Just look up: in summer you’ll hear its piercing, whistling flight over town squares or between blocks of flats.
Bird of the Year 2003: the house sparrow, an old familiar face that is disappearing
It used to be everywhere – in courtyards, on the streets and at bird feeders. Today, the house sparrow is disappearing from many places. You might still spot it in villages or historic districts, where suitable nesting sites remain.
Bird of the Year 2002: the common kestrel, hunter of the city
The kestrel’s characteristic ‘hover’, where it remains suspended in the air watching for prey, is one of nature’s most beautiful spectacles. You’ll see it not only in fields but also in towns – it often nests on towers, churches or tall buildings.
Bird of the Year 2001: the Eurasian Jackdaw, the clever tower dweller
A sociable and intelligent bird that has taken a liking to old buildings, chimneys and towers. Jackdaws are among the cleverest birds we know. Listen for them in historic town centres or at old castles – you’re sure to hear their loud “caw”.
Bird of the Year 2000: the kingfisher, a blue gem by the water
A bright blue and orange flash above the water’s surface – the kingfisher is one of the most beautiful birds living in the wild. You can look for it by quieter rivers and streams with clear water, for example in the Podyjí National Park or whilst walking by smaller streams in the forest.
Bird of the Year 1999: White Wagtail, messenger of water and backyards
An elegant bird with black and white plumage that bobs constantly. The white wagtail moves around water, but also in gardens and on rooftops, and you can spot it almost anywhere, in villages and towns alike.
Bird of the Year 1998: the grey partridge, spirit of the old fields
Once a common bird of the agricultural landscape, today it is rather rare and serves as a reminder of what once lived around us. If you come across a partridge today, you are likely to see it in open areas with hedgerows and copses, that is, where the landscape has not yet completely disappeared.
Bird of the Year 1997: the barn owl, the silent hunter of the night
With its heart-shaped face and silent flight, the barn owl is one of the most fascinating nocturnal birds. It often nests in church towers or in the attics of houses. Listen carefully in the countryside in the evening: you may hear it before you see it.
Bird of the Year 1996: Red-backed Shrike, the thorn-dwelling predator
Small but fierce. The red-backed shrike stores its prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating a natural ‘pantry’. Head out to find it in scrubby countryside with meadows and pastures.
Bird of the Year 1995: the crested lark, an acrobat above the meadows
You can recognise the lapwing by its crest and acrobatic flight full of twists and turns. Its song is one of the typical sounds of spring meadows.
Bird of the Year 1994: White Stork, a symbol of homecoming
A large and distinctive bird that has become associated with human settlements. The white stork is a symbol of spring and homecomings. Keep an eye on chimneys and nests in villages – a stork’s nest can often be an attraction in its own right.
Bird of the Year 1993: Garden Warbler, the song of old orchards
Related to the common warbler, but more closely associated with gardens, orchards and open countryside. You might hear it in spring in old orchards or in the countryside.
Bird of the Year 1992: Common House Martin, a story under the roof
The first ‘Bird of the Year’ title was awarded to swallows. These little birds build their nests from mud under the roofs of houses and stables; they have become symbols of summer and homecomings.
And a little tidbit to finish with: have you heard of ‘swallow tails’? The typical Renaissance gables in the historic centre of Nové Město nad Metují resemble the spread tails of swallows. Next time you visit, try looking at them with fresh eyes.
