Cirl buntings have recovered in Devon through intensive targeted conservation, with individual welfare depending on mixed farm habitats providing year-round food.
Cirl bunting welfare depends on the availability of invertebrate-rich grassland in summer and seed-rich habitats in winter. The population recovery demonstrates the direct welfare benefit of targeted agri-environment management. Individual breeding birds that cannot find sufficient grasshoppers for chick feeding suffer breeding failure. Winter food provision through agri-environment seed mixes and farmer-provided grain directly supports individual welfare through the most food-limited period. The Devon cirl bunting recovery serves as a model demonstrating that individual welfare and population conservation can be simultaneously achieved through habitat management.