Do you know the birds of the meadows?

Free entry

A travelling exhibition by the Swiss Ornithological Institute expanded and adapted by the Cantonal Museum of Natural History.

The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the endangered bird species that nest in Switzerland’s grasslands. In Italian-speaking Switzerland, these include the Eurasian Skylark, the Tree Pipit, the Common Quail, the Corn Crake and the Whinchat. But why have these species become so rare? How do they live? What do they need, and how can we protect them?

These species are heavily dependent on extensive grassland management, which ensures they have access to food and nesting sites. Meadows are also important habitats for other animal species, such as insects and mammals.

Through films, interactive and immersive stations, games, information boards, taxidermy specimens and a treasure hunt, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey into the world of meadow-nesting birds and the challenges they face, alongside other species linked to these habitats.

The exhibition also provides food for thought on the broader relationship between humans and nature in the management of our land and is accompanied by a programme of talks, excursions and educational activities.

As part of the exhibition, the following excursions are planned (further information can be found in the attached flyers):
• Guided tour of the exhibition, Cantonal Museum of Natural History, Lugano, 23 May 2026
• Excursion to Caval Drossa, 31 May 2026
• Lecture at the Cantonal Museum of Natural History, Lugano, 22 October 2026