What happened?
The ortolan bunting is a small migratory bird found across parts of Europe and western Asia. For generations, it was captured during migration and associated with a controversial culinary tradition. Alongside habitat change and other pressures, exploitation helped turn the bird into a symbol of human excess.
Today the species is protected by European law. Its story is not only about one bird—it is about how culture, demand, and indifference can put pressure on living systems.
Ortolan is our reminder: what humans damage, humans must also learn to protect.
How can it be saved?
- Protect and restore open farmland, grassland, hedgerows, and mosaic habitats.
- Reduce illegal killing and disturbance during migration.
- Support science-based conservation programs and monitoring.
- Build public awareness so decline is noticed before it is too late.
Why we use this symbol
We are not trying to turn wildlife into nostalgia. We use the ortolan as a symbol of a turning point: the moment when a society recognizes that old habits are not always harmless.