Malta spring hunting raises concerns over illegal bird killings

Malta’s 2026 spring hunting season has once again come under scrutiny following reports of illegal shootings involving protected migratory birds travelling across the Mediterranean toward European breeding grounds. Environmental organisation BirdLife Malta said at least 14 birds carrying confirmed shotgun injuries were recovered during the season, raising fresh concerns about enforcement standards and the protection of vulnerable species.

The latest incidents have intensified debate around Malta’s controversial spring hunting framework, which permits limited hunting of Turtle Dove and Quail under specific conditions. Conservation groups argue that the legal season continues to provide cover for the illegal targeting of protected birds moving through one of Europe’s most important migratory corridors.

BirdLife Malta stated that several of the birds recovered during the 2026 season belonged to species protected under European conservation legislation. The organisation further alleged that the number of documented cases likely represents only a fraction of the birds illegally targeted during migration.

Protected migratory birds among the casualties

According to BirdLife Malta, the birds recovered during the season included a range of protected species that are not legally permitted to be hunted in Malta. These included the Common Kestrel, Marsh Harrier, European Bee-eater, Common Cuckoo, Eurasian Hoopoe, Wood Sandpiper, Little Egret, Spotted Crake and Corncrake.

The NGO also reported the illegal killing of a European Turtle-dove before the official hunting season began. The Turtle Dove remains a species of significant conservation concern across Europe due to long-term population declines linked to habitat loss, hunting pressures and environmental changes.

Environmental groups have repeatedly warned that Malta’s location in the central Mediterranean places it directly along a major migratory route used by birds travelling between Africa and Europe. During spring migration, many birds pass over the Maltese islands while returning to breeding areas across the European continent.

Conservationists argue that illegal hunting during this period can have consequences extending well beyond Malta itself because the birds affected form part of broader European populations protected under international agreements and EU environmental legislation.

Tracking device falls silent over Miżieb

One of the most discussed cases involved a rehabilitated Common Kestrel that had previously survived a shooting incident in October before being rescued and treated. The bird had later been released at a public event on 10 February after the close of the autumn hunting season.

BirdLife Malta said the kestrel had been wintering in Miżieb, an area associated with hunting activity and conservationists had hoped the bird might eventually remain in Malta to breed.

The bird was equipped with a tracking device that allowed conservation teams to monitor its movements. However, the signal reportedly stopped transmitting over Miżieb on 22 April.

According to BirdLife Malta, both authorities and hunting federation officials had been informed that a tracked bird was present in the area before the incident occurred. The organisation suggested that the disappearance raised serious concerns given the previous shooting history involving the same bird.

The NGO also reported that other injured birds had recently been recovered from the same area, including another Common Kestrel and a Common Cuckoo allegedly found by walkers.

While no direct allegations were publicly made against specific individuals, conservation groups said the repeated recovery of shot birds in areas linked to hunting activity highlights ongoing enforcement concerns.

Debate over enforcement standards intensifies

The latest reports have renewed criticism of enforcement efforts during Malta’s spring hunting season. BirdLife Malta argued that existing monitoring measures remain insufficient to deter illegal activity effectively.

The organisation stated that documented cases likely represent only a limited snapshot of the actual scale of illegal bird killings. Environmental groups have long argued that many injured or dead birds are never recovered because they fall in inaccessible areas or are removed before being documented.

Critics also point to legal loopholes surrounding taxidermy rules and the possession of protected species. Conservation campaigners claim these gaps create challenges for enforcement authorities attempting to investigate suspected offences.

The debate surrounding enforcement is not new. Environmental groups and journalists have previously raised concerns about limited police visibility in areas known for hunting activity during migration periods.

In earlier monitoring exercises conducted by conservation teams, observers reportedly encountered minimal enforcement presence across several prominent hunting sites. Campaigners argue that stronger field monitoring and more frequent inspections would improve compliance and discourage illegal shootings.

Supporters of the hunting framework, however, have maintained that the majority of licensed hunters operate within legal regulations and should not be judged based on the actions of individuals suspected of breaking the law.

Malta’s EU derogation remains controversial

The controversy surrounding spring hunting in Malta continues to be closely linked to the country’s long-standing derogation from the EU Birds Directive.

Under European Union law, spring hunting is generally prohibited because birds are migrating toward breeding grounds during that period. Malta has historically argued that its specific geographic circumstances justify limited seasonal exemptions allowing the hunting of Turtle Dove and Quail under regulated conditions.

Environmental organisations have consistently challenged this position, arguing that the derogation undermines broader European conservation objectives.

BirdLife Malta criticised the continued application of the exemption while infringement proceedings involving Malta’s hunting regime remain under discussion at EU level.

The debate has remained politically sensitive within Malta for years. Hunting organisations represent a significant lobbying force and successive governments have faced pressure from both conservation advocates and hunting groups.

More than a decade has passed since Malta held a national referendum on spring hunting. Despite the close and highly divisive vote, the issue continues to generate public debate and legal scrutiny.

Wider concerns extend beyond Malta

Concerns linked to illegal bird hunting have also extended beyond Malta’s territory in recent years.

A cross-border investigation published in 2025 examined allegations involving Maltese hunters participating in illegal hunting activities abroad, particularly in Egypt. The investigation reported claims from conservationists and local guides alleging that protected species were being targeted and bird skins smuggled back to Malta.

Although authorities have not publicly linked such allegations to specific criminal convictions in all cases, the investigation intensified wider European concerns about illegal wildlife trafficking networks connected to migratory bird hunting.

Environmental organisations have argued that stronger international cooperation is needed to combat cross-border wildlife crime involving migratory species.

The issue has also drawn attention from European conservation bodies because migratory birds travel across multiple jurisdictions during annual migration cycles. Illegal killings occurring along one section of the route can undermine conservation efforts undertaken elsewhere.

Questions raised over reporting systems

BirdLife Malta and other campaigners have additionally criticised Malta’s reporting system for hunting catches, arguing that official figures may not fully reflect actual activity levels.

Previous reporting data showed that only a relatively small percentage of licensed spring hunters submitted records of catches. Thousands of licence holders reportedly declared no catches during earlier seasons.

Conservation groups argue that the limited reporting raises questions about oversight effectiveness and data reliability. They believe more robust digital monitoring and stronger verification procedures could improve transparency.

Hunting organisations have generally defended existing systems while stressing that licensed hunters are required to comply with established reporting obligations.

The wider dispute reflects the continuing challenge faced by Maltese authorities in balancing cultural traditions, environmental obligations and international conservation commitments.

Conservation pressure likely to continue

The latest incidents are expected to increase pressure on Maltese authorities ahead of future migration seasons. Environmental groups continue to call for stricter enforcement measures, stronger monitoring operations and wider reforms to hunting regulations involving protected migratory birds.

Conservationists also warn that illegal killings can damage Malta’s international environmental reputation, particularly as European institutions continue monitoring compliance with wildlife protection laws.

At the same time, hunting remains a deeply rooted activity for many individuals within Malta and political leaders continue to face competing demands from different sections of society.

The recurring controversy surrounding spring hunting demonstrates how difficult it remains to reconcile conservation priorities with longstanding traditions and political sensitivities.

Conclusion

The recovery of protected migratory birds with confirmed shotgun injuries during Malta’s 2026 spring hunting season has once again placed the country’s hunting framework under intense scrutiny. BirdLife Malta’s findings have reignited concerns regarding enforcement effectiveness, regulatory oversight and the broader impact on European bird populations already facing environmental pressures.

While supporters of regulated hunting continue to argue that licensed hunters should not be collectively blamed for isolated illegal acts, conservation organisations maintain that the repeated discovery of protected birds points to systemic weaknesses that require stronger action.

As discussions continue between environmental campaigners, hunting representatives, Maltese authorities and European institutions, the debate surrounding spring hunting is unlikely to disappear. The issue remains tied not only to Malta’s domestic policies but also to wider international conservation responsibilities linked to migratory wildlife protection across Europe and the Mediterranean region.

FAQs

What did BirdLife Malta report during the 2026 spring hunting season?
BirdLife Malta reported recovering at least 14 birds with confirmed shotgun injuries during Malta’s 2026 spring hunting season.

Which protected bird species were reportedly targeted?
The reported species included Common Kestrels, Marsh Harriers, European Bee-eaters, Common Cuckoos, Eurasian Hoopoes, Little Egrets and Corncrakes among others.

Why is Malta’s spring hunting season controversial?
The season is controversial because conservation groups argue that protected migratory birds are illegally targeted while travelling to European breeding grounds.

What birds can legally be hunted during Malta’s spring season?
Under Malta’s current derogation rules, hunting is limited to Turtle Dove and Quail during regulated periods.

What is the EU Birds Directive?
The EU Birds Directive is European legislation designed to protect wild bird species and regulate hunting activities across EU member states.

Why are migratory birds important for conservation?
Migratory birds play vital ecological roles and their populations are shared across multiple countries during migration cycles.

What happened to the rehabilitated Common Kestrel mentioned in reports?
The rehabilitated kestrel reportedly disappeared after its tracking device stopped transmitting over Miżieb during the hunting season.

What concerns have been raised about enforcement?
Environmental groups claim enforcement presence remains insufficient and that many illegal shootings may go undetected.

Has Malta faced EU scrutiny over spring hunting before?
Yes. Malta’s spring hunting derogation has been subject to long-running legal and political scrutiny within the European Union.

Why do conservation groups believe the real scale of illegal hunting may be higher?
Conservationists argue that many injured or dead birds are never recovered or officially documented which may mean actual figures are significantly higher.