Two new Maltese bird breeds have been scientifically documented, marking another milestone in the islands’ rich avicultural heritage.The newly recognised captive landrace forms of the Spanish Sparrow, the Opal Spanish Sparrow and the Agate Spanish Sparrow, were developed in Malta through selective breeding over several generations.The study, authored by Arnold Sciberras, Jeffrey Sciberras and Roderick Abela, describes the birds as genetically stable, human-maintained lineages that originated in the Maltese Islands.Researchers also revisited the Maltese Caged Greenfinch, comparing it with the internationally recognised Major Greenfinch to show how decades of selective breeding have created distinctive Maltese bird landraces.The authors say documenting these unique birds is vital to preserving Malta’s biological and cultural heritage, warning that without responsible breeding and recognition, they could disappear through uncontrolled crossbreeding.Did you know Malta had its own unique bird breeds?•