The purpose of this study was to characterise the breeding birds of an old, extensively managed apple orchard and its influence on the biodiversity of the agricultural landscape in central Poland. What distinguishes old orchards from other habitats is the very high density of birds and the simplified species composition. The assemblages of birds are governed by an orchard’s age and the diversity of the habitats surrounding it. The non-use of chemicals in a traditional orchard was not found to limit the composition of bird species. Ten species nested in the orchard. The bird species and brood success were determined for 68 completed nests.