The 2026 French Avifauna Barometer, published by the French environmental organization LPO, compiles data from 45,000 individuals, including both amateur and professional birdwatchers, to track the status of bird populations in France. The report shows that 45 bird species have appeared in France over the last 50 years, while four have disappeared. This mix of gains and losses reflects both successful conservation efforts and ongoing challenges. The findings highlight the impact of the 1976 nature protection law, which has helped some species recover, but this law is now at risk of being weakened. However, the report also notes that half of the new species are non-native or introduced, raising concerns about their ecological impact. Laurent Couzy, Head of Knowledge Services at LPO, pointed out that while the 1976 law led to the creation of nature reserves and aided the recovery of certain birds, ground-nesting birds in agricultural areas are still declining. Climate change is playing a role in some of the observed trends, but its effects are not straightforward. For example, southern species like the red-headed babbler and the pied lark are declining despite warmer temperatures, likely due to changes in their habitats and other environmental pressures. The report also highlights the resilience of some species, such as the Cetti's warbler and the reed bunting, which are doing well thanks to milder winters and more flexible habitat needs. Future editions of the barometer will focus on specific groups of birds, such as those living in marshes and reed beds, with the goal of improving the diversity of ground-nesting birds in future reports. Although there is a coordinated bird monitoring system across Europe, a full analysis of major trends at the European level has not yet been completed.