By Great spotted woodpecker numbers are up in some areas of the England but cuckoos are in dramatic decline due to climate change and habitat destruction, according to a new study.
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) says populations of migratory birds – such as cuckoos, swifts and turtle doves – have dropped in the last 30 years, but numbers of native birds that stay in Britain during the winter are up. They include buzzards, great spotted woodpeckers and red kites.
There's also good news for garden birds because blue tit and robin populations have increased since 1966, when the BTO first started counting bird numbers.
Researchers looked at the impact weather changes have had on 68 species in the UK, plotting the "winners and losers" in different areas. Thirteen species have seen a greater than 10% rise in population numbers while three (cuckoo, swift and turtle dove) have suffered big drops. They found:
- Warmer winters mean birds are less likely to be killed off by icy conditions and a lack of food.
- Droughts caused by heatwaves and unseasonally warm weather mean less invertebrates for migratory birds like cuckoos to feed on during their long journey back to Africa.
- Garden birds are more likely to be fed by humans, who are becoming more aware of the importance of creating a home for wildlife in the winter months.
- Successful conservation projects are bringing numbers of birds like the red kite back from the brink.
- The cuckoo is at the highest risk of extinction in the UK; numbers have dropped by 80 percent in the past three decades.
Here are the BTO study "winners and losers" by area:
- East: turtle dove numbers down, buzzard numbers up
- South east: turtle dove numbers down, red kite numbers up
- South: cuckoo numbers down, buzzard numbers up
- London: house sparrows down, ring-necked parakeet numbers up
- South west: cuckoo numbers down, great spotted woodpecker numbers up
- West: cuckoo numbers down, goldfinch numbers up
- North west: swift numbers down, chiffchaff numbers up
- West Midlands: cuckoo numbers down, goldfinch numbers up
- East Midlands: cuckoo numbers down, buzzard numbers up
- Yorkshire and Lincolnshire: grey partridge numbers down, greylag goose numbers up
- North east: Swift numbers down, buzzard numbers up
The BTO is now working hard to conserve cuckoo numbers, preserve their natural habitats and raise awareness of their plight as part of their cuckoo tracking project. Get involved on their website.
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15 bird feeders to buy right now
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The Natural Wood Company Oak 'Applecore' Bird Feeder
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Combat minimalism with this brass-like, patterned feeder, granting a sense of luxury to the garden space, whilst still protecting the bird food from unwanted visitors. Its contemporary style will fit well into any modern garden.
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Garden Selections Vintage Cast Iron Heart Shaped Bird Seed Feeder
This vintage bird feeder is a great housewarming gift. Its deep bowl allows for an array of different snacks and treats for the local birds.
This raindrop feeder is a pretty edition to any outdoor space. Fitted with both suction pads and a hanging string, this feeder is handsome and versatile.
Currently reduced to clear, this feeder from John Lewis is great for an array of positions, and types of food. Hang it on a tree, a balcony or a wall. Attach fruits for the birds with its handy spike.
These feeders at Crocus are designed to fit fat or suet balls - high energy food for little birds. You can arrange multiple feeders in and around the same tree, as shown here, to create a little bird gathering.
Thompson Morgan Kingfisher Hanging Mealworm Bird Feeder With Plastic Canopy
You'll have regular customers in no time with this generous one-stop-shop, with the dome-shaped roof of this feeder perfect for protecting the birds, and a large base to fit a good amount of food.
Shaped in the style of a park bench, this piece will truly complement any garden, and increase both your own wellness and the wellbeing of local wildlife.
Garden Locker Twin Copper Bronze Bird Feeder for Garden Birds - Outdoor Metal 2 in 1 Bird Feeder Holds Wild Bird Seed Mix & Peanuts
This tall feeder fits two types of bird feed, to satisfy a variety of different feathered friends. Hang this on a tree in the garden or nearby perch, and you'll have them flocking to you in no time.
