Devon’s invertebrate-rich tussocky heaths, moors, rough grasslands and mires provide food, shelter and nesting sites for a wide range of birds. However, due to habitat loss and a decline in its condition, many of the birds which use these habitats are now threatened.
Species, such as curlew, cuckoo, snipe and whinchat were once found across Devon but are now mainly found on Dartmoor and Exmoor. The short-term priority is to improve habitat for the remaining breeding populations in the uplands. However, they should not be seen as upland species. The long-term aim must be to restore these species across Devon.
Golden plover, ring ouzel and lapwing no longer breed on Dartmoor and merlin and red-backed shrike are only occasional breeders. They are not included in this group but the actions proposed will benefit them if they return.
Other Devon Special SpeciesDevon Species of Conservation Concern which have been 'shortlised' as needing particular action or attention (rather than being iconic species). More that use these habitats are skylark, linnet and yellowhammer, see the Lowland farmland birds group.