UK Wild Bird Populations Reach Record Low Amid Widespread Declines
The average population of 132 native breeding bird species fell by 19% between 1970 and 2025. Farmland birds and seabirds were among the groups experiencing the most significant losses, according to reports.
Professor Richard Gregory, head of monitoring at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), described the findings as “shocking and sobering.”
The data showed that 45% of the monitored species declined over the past five years, while 27% recorded population growth. In England, the proportion of species experiencing declines reached 55%.
Several individual species have suffered substantial losses. Turtle dove numbers dropped by more than half over five years, while tree sparrows, wood warblers and capercaillie also recorded marked declines. Swift populations decreased by approximately 25% during the same period, with bullfinches experiencing a comparable national decline.
Seabirds have also faced mounting pressures, with their populations falling by more than a fifth over the past five years. Dr. Ailidh Barnes of the British Trust for Ornithology said avian flu had “decimated” species including Arctic skuas and terns.
Farmland birds have experienced the steepest long-term decline among the groups monitored. Their populations have fallen by 63% since 1970, including a further 12% decrease since 2020.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) links the prolonged decline to changes in agricultural practices. These include the disappearance of mixed farming systems, greater reliance on pesticides and fertilizers, and the removal of hedgerows that provide habitats for birds.
The figures highlight the continuing challenges facing the UK’s bird populations, with conservation groups warning that sustained declines across multiple habitats remain a major concern for wildlife protection.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
