Nest boxes for endangered roller checked in southern Portugal

As part of the LIFE PowerLines4Birds project, 50 nest boxes were installed between April 2025 and February 2026 on electricity pylons fitted with anti-electrocution devices, aimed at helping the European roller, one of Portugal's most threatened birds. Monitoring of 45 boxes in May and June 2026, across Special Protection Areas including Castro Verde and Vale do Guadiana, found 57.8% occupancy. Only four boxes were used by rollers, all in Castro Verde, while others held starlings, lesser kestrels, little owls and a garden dormouse. Chicks found were ringed to track survival and migration.