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Commission
on the List of Bird Species in Germany

The “Species List of Birds in Germany” Commission is a standing body of the German Ornithological Society (DOG). It maintains the official list of bird species recorded in Germany and ensures that it is regularly updated. In doing so, it provides a reliable foundation for research, nature conservation, government agencies, and the general public. Its work is guided by the DOG’s guidelines for the Species List Commission and ensures transparency, scientific rigor, and international compatibility.

Donwload-Icon List of Bird Species in Germany 2018 (full version, including subspecies)
Donwload-Icon List of Birds of Germany 2019 (Updated Abridged Version)

Spokesperson

Commission for the Checklist of the Birds of Germany, Commission for German Names of the Birds of the World Portrait
Peter H. Barthel Commission for the Checklist of the Birds of Germany, Commission for German Names of the Birds of the World
Mail Icon redaktion@limicola.de Globus Icon Go to website Fokus

Bird identification, systematics and nomenclature, avifaunistics, nature conservation

1987–2012 editor of the journal for field ornithology “Limicola”, 1988-2011 head of the “German Rarities Committee”. Since 1992 coordinator of the committees “Checklist of the Birds of Germany” and “German Names of the Birds of the World” of the DOG.
Advisory board, committee for the bird species list of Germany Portrait
Thorsten Krüger Advisory board, committee for the bird species list of Germany
Mail Icon thorsten.krueger@nlwkn.niedersachsen.de Globus Icon Go to website Fokus

Nature conservation biology, monitoring, habitat assessment, faunistics, disturbance ecology

Scientific staff member at the State Bird Protection Center in the Lower Saxony State Agency for Water Management, Coastal Defense and Nature Conservation (NLWKN)

Advisory board member since 2020

Members

Commission for the Checklist of Birds of Germany Portrait
Jens Hering Commission for the Checklist of Birds of Germany
Mail Icon jenshering.vso-bibliothek@t-online.de Fokus

Avifauna of North Africa, reed warbler taxonomy, breeding biology

Lower Nature Conservation Authority, Zwickau district; board member of the Saxon Ornithologists’ Association e.V.; member of the editorial boards of “Sandgrouse”, “Der Falke”, “Mitt. Ver. Sächs. Ornithol.”
Commission Species List of the Birds of Germany Portrait
Dr. Christian Dietzen Commission Species List of the Birds of Germany
Mail Icon christian-dietzen@t-online.de Fokus

Avian studies, monitoring, species conservation, annual phenology

Scientific staff member at the State Bird Protection Center in the State Office for the Environment of Rhineland-Palatinate, secretary of the Avifaunistic Commission of Rhineland-Palatinate, editorial team for the State Avifauna of Rhineland-Palatinate 2013–2017
Commission Species List of the Birds of Germany Portrait
Christopher König Commission Species List of the Birds of Germany
Mail Icon christopher.koenig@gmx.net Fokus

Occurrence of rare species, faunistics, monitoring

Member of the umbrella association of German avifaunists and administrator of ornitho.de; Managing Director of the German Avifaunistic Commission
Dr. Martin Päckert Commission Checklist of the Birds of Germany
Donwload-Icon Commission Species List Guidelines

Publications

Current Species Lists of Birds in Germany

List of Birds of Germany. Version 3.2. (updated abridged version)
Barthel, P.H. & Krüger, T. (2019)
German Ornithological Society, Radolfzell

Download

  1. List of Birds of Germany. Version 3.2.

List of Bird Species in Germany. Version 3.1 (full version including subspecies)
Barthel, P.H. & Krüger, T. (2018)
Version 3.1. Vogelwarte 56: 171–203.

Download

  1. List of Bird Species in Germany. Version 3.1

Previous Lists

List of Bird Species in Germany. (Version 2)
Barthel, P.H. & Helbig, A.J. (2005)
Limicola 19: 89-111

Download

  1. List of Bird Species in Germany. (Version 2)

List of Bird Species in Germany. (Version 1)
Barthel, P.H. (1993)
J. Ornithol. 134: 113–135

Download

  1. List of Bird Species in Germany. (Version 1)

FAQ: Commission Species List

What is the Commission's Species List?

It is the DOG's standing expert committee responsible for maintaining and updating the official list of bird species found in Germany.

Why is a national species list important?

It provides a uniform reference for research, monitoring, nature conservation, and administration. It also has international and, in some cases, legal significance, such as in reports or conservation regulations.

Who decides on changes to the species list?

The commission reviews new records, taxonomic changes, and names in accordance with international standards (particularly AviList). Decisions are made and documented by the commission.

How do you become a member of the commission?

Commission members are elected by the DOG Executive Board upon the recommendation of the current Commission. Professional expertise in ornithology, systematics, or nature conservation is required.

How many members are on the commission?

The commission typically consists of 5 to 10 members.

What role do non-native species play?

The Commission assesses whether non-native species meet the criteria for an established population and assigns them a status on the species list. In doing so, it works closely with other agencies.

Where can I view the current list of species?

The current version is published on the DOG website. Significant changes are also published in the journal *Vogelwarte*.

How long is the term of office for members?

The term of office is five years. Re-election is permitted.

How is information about the work shared?

The Commission reports regularly at the DOG's annual meetings and publishes updates in official bulletins.