Mongabay · Climate & nature

Migratory Birds Shot by Hunters in Malta After Storm

Hundreds of migratory birds, including protected species, were reportedly shot by hunters in Malta after being stranded by a thunderstorm on September 14, 2026. Conservation group Birdlife Malta gathered evidence of the incidents.

Malta is a key stop on the Central European-Mediterranean flyway. A severe thunderstorm caused a "bird fall," concentrating exhausted migratory birds, making them easier targets for hunters, who are densely populated in the country.

Birdlife Malta reported that over 500 European turtle doves, a threatened species, were shot after the storm. Although Malta allows a quota for turtle dove hunting, this limit was reached, and the season officially closed on September 14. Despite this, hunting of turtle doves reportedly continued.

Incidents also included hunters shooting at a flock of little egrets, with some confirmed dead or injured. Several other protected species, including European rollers and black storks, were also reported shot between September 14 and 21.

Birdlife Malta collected 21 protected birds with confirmed shooting injuries during this period. This illegal mortality adds pressure to migratory species already facing threats like habitat loss and climate change.

Hunting is a significant issue in the Mediterranean, with an estimated 25 million birds poached annually, despite legal protections and conservation efforts.

Enforcement of hunting laws is challenging in Malta due to limited environmental police resources and, according to conservationists, leniency from the government towards poachers. This undermines the protection intended by European law.

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