Wild bird populations in the UK have fallen to their lowest level since records began, with nearly half of species in decline, according to figures from leading nature conservation bodies. The data indicates that average populations across 132 native breeding species decreased by 19% between 1970 and 2025, with farmland birds and seabirds being the most affected.
Key Findings
- Nearly 50% of bird species are in decline.
- Average populations of turtle doves have dropped by more than 50% in five years.
- Tree sparrows, wood warblers, and capercaillie also saw significant decreases.
- Swifts have declined by about 25% over the past five years.
- Bullfinches fell at a similar rate nationally, with an average decline of 11% per year in England.
Prof Richard Gregory, head of monitoring at the RSPB, described the findings as "shocking and sobering," stating, "Birds are indicators of the way we’re looking after the countryside and the world around us. We’re losing the birds that people are so emotionally connected to and want to protect."
Decline of Specific Species
Of the 132 native breeding species tracked, 45% have declined over the past five years, while only 27% have increased. In England, 55% of monitored species have seen a decline. Seabirds are the worst-hit group, down by more than 20% over the past five years. Dr Ailidh Barnes from the British Trust for Ornithology noted that avian flu has "decimated" species such as Arctic skuas and terns. She explained that the disease spread rapidly due to the close nesting of seabirds, with different species suffering each year.
