The state of the UK’s birds 2016 One of the UK’s most-loved birds, Contents the puffin is now considered threatened 05 Headlines with global extinction. 06 Introduction 08 Wild bird indicators 10 Common and widespread breeding birds 17 Scarce and rare breeding birds 20 Recent surveys 24 Birds of Conservation Concern 4: an overview 28 Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the lists 30 Breeding seabirds 35 Wintering waterbirds 40 Birds in the UK Overseas Territories 44 Current and planned surveys 46 Acknowledgements Wren by Mark sysasya photography shutterstock.com 47 Who we are: contact details
Throughout this report species names are colour-coded according to their updated conservation status, as identified byBirds of Conservation Concern 4 (BoCC4), published in 2015 (see pages 24–29).
All bird species are shown in bold. There are now 67 species identified as being of the greatest conservation concern that are Red-listed, 96 species of moderate concern that are Amber-listed and 81 species of least concern that are Green-listed.
This report should be referenced as: Hayhow DB, Bond AL, Douse A, Eaton MA, Frost T, Grice PV, Hall C, Harris SJ, Havery S, Hearn RD, Noble DG, Oppel S, Williams J, Win I and Wotton S (2017)
Mark Sisson (rspb-images.com) The state of the UK’s birds 2016. The RSPB, BTO, WWT, DAERA, JNCC, NE, NRW and SNH, Sandy, Bedfordshire.
2 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 3 Headlines
• The latest Birds of Conservation Concern assessment (BoCC4) used the latest monitoring data to assign species to Red, Amber and Green lists of conservation concern.
• The BoCC4 Red list grew substantially, with a net increase of 15, from 52 species in 2009 to 67 in 2015. More than a quarter of the species assessed are now Red-listed.
• The BoCC4 Green list also increased, as 22 species moved from Amber to Green. While some moved due to minor changes in the assessment process, 13 moved to Green due to genuine improvements in status.
• Targeted conservation action can and does improve the status of threatened species. Bitterns and nightjars are examples of this, moving from the Red to the Amber list in BoCC4. Woodlarks and bearded tits moved to the Green list as they are no longer declining in Europe.
• Three species, Temminck’s stints, wrynecks and serins, have been lost as breeding species in the UK and were added to the list of "former breeders" in BoCC4.
• Concern for the population status of curlews across Europe, highlighted by the species’ addition to the Red Wrynecks once bred list, has prompted the development of an International in most counties in Species Action Plan. • Good news from recent surveys: the British golden Britain, but are now eagle population has increased by 15% since 2003, and cirl buntings exceeded the 1,000-pair target considered a “former after 25 years of dedicated research and recovery breeder” by the Birds action by conservation partnerships.
• In the UK Overseas Territories, St Helena plovers and Mark Sisson (rspb-images.com) of Conservation 4 Montserrat orioles were both down-listed from Critically Endangered to Vulnerable on the Global Red List as a assessment. result of positive population trends.
4 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 5 Introduction Time spent by volunteers on monitoring biodiversity The state of the UK’s birds (SUKB) report provides a one-stop shop for all the results from annual, periodic and one-off surveys and monitoring in the UK is worth studies of birds. many millions of pounds Since 1999, these reports have of the UK’s breeding and non- More than a quarter of the UK’s provided an annual overview of breeding bird species. These are bird species are now on the Red every year. the status of bird populations in listed in Birds of Conservation list, and in this report we highlight the UK and its Overseas Territories. Concern 4 (BoCC4), published some of the species that have We present trends for as many in December 2015. Species been reclassified since the last of the UK’s regularly occurring were assessed against a set of review in 2009, as well as those species as possible. objective criteria in order to be groups of species for which there placed on the Green, Amber or are particular concerns. This year’s SUKB reports on the Red lists – indicating increasing latest assessment of the status levels of conservation concern.
A special thank you to volunteers
Bird monitoring in the UK is led by The monitoring programmes and the commitment of carrying out non-governmental organisations surveys that feature in SUKB monthly counts, to the casual (NGOs) and the UK’s statutory provide the vital data required records submitted by birdwatchers nature conservation bodies, but to carry out status assessments to BirdTrack – every contribution is it relies on the efforts of many like BoCC4. valuable. If you are one of these thousands of volunteers. Without volunteers, thank you. If not, their time and dedication, the Many thousands of people take why not consider getting involved evidence base on which bird part in bird monitoring each year in in one of the wide variety of conservation in the UK depends the UK. While the amount of time monitoring opportunities outlined would simply not exist. each person spends varies – from on pages 44–45 of this report?
The SUKB partnership
SUKB 2016 is produced by a the Department of Agriculture, coalition of three NGOs: the Environment and Rural Affairs, Royal Society for the Protection Northern Ireland (DAERA), of Birds (RSPB), the British Trust the Joint Nature Conservation for Ornithology (BTO) and the Committee (JNCC), Natural Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), England (NE), Natural Resources together with the UK’s statutory Wales (NRW), and Scottish nature conservation bodies: Natural Heritage (SNH).
Conservation relies on the efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers. Dawn Balmer Ed Marshall (rspb-images.com)
6 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 7 120
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0 0 breeding in the UK. 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort farmland, woodland ter ter UK Wild Bird Indicators by habitat ot a ai ab e tro i rease ea i rease and wetland 120 o ha e ea de i e 100 tro de i e UK wild bird indicator 120 0 100 The UK wild bird indicators are The indicators are shown by • The farmland indicator 100 0 high-level measures of the state habitat type. They present the remains at less than half its 60 0 100 of birds. In conjunction with average population trends for bird 1970 starting value, with no 120 60 indicators for other well-monitored species associated with farmland, new farmland birds added 0 0 10060 All farmland birds (19) 0 groups, such as butterflies and woodland and wetlands, and for to the BoCC Red list. Of the de 1 0 100 20 60 bats, they are used as a proxy for seabirds (page 30) and wintering 19 species in the indicator, 20 0 100 er e ta e of s e ies The UK wild bird indicators were not the overall state of biodiversity. waterbirds (page 35). While they 10 were Red-listed already All farmland birds (19) 0 de 1 0 100 0 0 updated in 2016, so the data here are They are used to track progress communicate broad trends, and (particularly those restricted 201 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 0 60 o hort 20 the same as in SUKB 2015. towards targets for conserving are a good tool for summarising to or highly dependent on ter ter er e ta e of s e ies 60 the natural environment and these trends, it is important to farmland, such as grey 00 0 The figure in brackets shows the number 1201 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort sustainable development goals. note that there is considerable partridges, turtle doves, tree All farmland birds (19) 0 of species. de 1 0 100 ter ter 20 variation in the individual species’ sparrows and corn buntings). 100 20 The line graph shows the unsmoothed 120 er e ta e of s e ies The presentation of the indicators trends that go into the indicator. trend (dashed line) and smoothed trend has changed over the years, By contrast, in more recent 00 0100 (solid line) with its 95% confidence 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort to improve communication of To see how individual species years whitethroats have 100 interval (shaded). ter ter 0 their variability and assist with are faring, pages 11 and 13 continued their recovery and 60 0 100 120 All woodland birds (37) 60 The bar chart shows the percentage of interpretation of the trends. show trends in the common as a result have moved from species within the indicator that have The bar chart provided alongside and widespread breeding the Amber list to the Green 0 0 10060 0 increased, decreased, or shown no change de 1 0 100 (based on set thresholds of change). each habitat chart (see opposite) birds included in the farmland, list in BoCC4. 20 All woodland birds (37) 60 20 shows the percentage of species woodland and wetland indicators. 0 100 er e ta e of s e ies 0 Whether an individual species is increasing within that indicator that have • The woodland bird indicator is de 1 0 100 0 0 201 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort 0 or decreasing has been decided by its increased, decreased or shown 20% lower than its 1970 level. 60 20 ter ter er e ta e of s e ies rate of annual change over the time period no change. Within the indicator, green All woodland birds (37) 60 (long or short) of assessment. If the rate of 00 0 woodpeckers moved from 1201 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort annual change would lead to a population 0 the Amber list to the Green de 1 0 100 ter ter increase or decrease of between 25% and 20 list in BoCC4, reflecting their 100 20 49% over 25 years, the species is said to 120 er e ta e of s e ies have shown a “weak increase” or a “weak improved status in Europe. 00 0100 decline” respectively. If the rate of annual 1001 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort change would lead to a population increase All water and wetland birds (26) ter ter 0 • Negative trends in a number 60 or decrease of 50% or more over 25 years, 100 the species is said to have shown a “strong of newly Red-listed species, 120 0 60 increase” or a “strong decline” respectively. including curlews and grey 0 All water and wetland birds (26)
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Andy Hay 0 10060 0 wagtails, contribute to the de 1 100 These thresholds are the same as used 20 60 continuing decline of the 20 to define severe and moderate levels of 0 100 er e ta e of s e ies wetland indicator. Within the 0 decline in the BoCC status assessment de 1 100 0 0 for birds in the UK. overall decline, birds of slow 20 All water and wetland birds (26) o hort 0 601 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 20 flowing and standing water ter ter er e ta e of s e ies have shown the most positive 60 00 0 For details of species' trends in each 1 ot1 0 a ai ab e 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort trends – including little 0 indicator, download the datasheet:
de 1 100 ter ter tro i rease http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4235 grebes, which moved from 20 ea i rease 20 the Amber list to the Green ot a ai ab e er e ta e of s e ies o ha e Source: British Trust for Ornithology, Of the 19 species included in the farmland bird indicator, 10 – including list in BoCC4. 0 tro i rease 0 Defra, Joint Nature Conservation 1 ea 1 0 de i e 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort tree sparrows – are Red-listed. ea i rease Committee and The Royal Society for tro de i e ter ter o ha e Years the Protection of Birds. ot ea a ai ab e de i e tro i reasede i e 8 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 9 ea i rease o ha e ea de i e tro de i e Common and widespread breeding birds
Long-term For most species, long-term trends and BBS trend % Species trend % BoCC4 short-term trends are based on smoothed (1995–2014) Common and (1970–2014) estimates of change in the UK between Mute swan 198 29 ▲ 1970 and 2014, and 1995 and 2014 respectively. Although all data, including Greylag goose na 211 the most recent from 2015, are included in Canada goose na 84 analyses, we report measures of change widespread Shelduck 1 128 -6 to the penultimate year (2014), to avoid Gadwall na 105 unreliable effects due to smoothing at the endpoints of time series. Exceptions to Mallard 95 15 these time periods are identified in the 2 Tufted duck na 38 ▼ table and explained below: breeding birds Red-legged partridge -22 13 Red grouse na 19 1. For most species, the long-term trends Grey partridge -92 -58 are based on the smoothed estimates Monitoring the population changes The BBS is co-ordinated by the (WBS) respectively, are also of change between 1970 and 2014 in a Pheasant 1 74 32 of common and widespread BTO, in partnership with the used, in order to calculate combined CBC–BBS analysis. However, breeding bird species is important JNCC and the RSPB, and is only long-term trends. Grey heron 2 -6 -18 for species with evidence of marked for three main reasons: so possible with the help of more Little grebe 2 na 33 ▼ differences in the populations monitored that we can track changes in than 2,700 dedicated volunteers When combined, the data from Great crested grebe na 13 by the BBS and its predecessor the CBC, we use the CBC results to 1994 anchored Red kite na 1026 ▼ individual species; to provide an who collect the all-important data. these surveys provide the to the BBS from 1994 to 2015. Hence, 3 “early warning system” of major In 2015, 3,731 BBS squares were long-term (1970–2014) and Sparrowhawk 74 -11 long-term trends for these species may changes within groups of species, surveyed, and 215 bird species shorter-term (1995–2014) trends Buzzard 1 454 80 not be representative of the UK population which may provide clues about were recorded in total. shown in the tables on pages Moorhen -27 -12 prior to 1994, due to the more limited the health of particular habitats or 11 and 13. The fourth column in Coot 59 19 geographical and habitat coverage of the CBC (mainly farmland and woodland sites Oystercatcher na -19 ecosystems; and to assess the The information presented here these tables is particularly topical. in England). effectiveness of environmental also incorporates data from other It illustrates where each species Golden plover na -16 ▼ policies and interventions. BTO surveys of widespread sits on the BoCC4 assessment: Lapwing -63 -43 2. For five riverine species grey( wagtails, species such as the Waterways the Green, Amber or Red list, Curlew 1 -64 -48 ▲ sand martins, dippers, kingfishers and common sandpipers), a smoothed trend Data from the Breeding Bird Breeding Bird Survey (WBBS) and how these have changed Common sandpiper 2 -47 -35 for both time periods is calculated by Survey (BBS), the core scheme and the Heronries Census. since the previous assessment. Redshank na -39 combining the WBS and WBBS data. For for monitoring widespread Data from the BBS and WBBS For full details about how the Snipe na 16 grey herons, the trend is based on the breeding birds for over 20 years, predecessor surveys, the assessment was conducted, Feral pigeon na -18 Heronries Census (page 44). provide this information in Common Birds Census (CBC) see pages 24–29. Stock dove 1 116 22 3. Long-term trends cover shorter time the UK. and Waterways Bird Survey Woodpigeon 124 36 periods for three species due to the later 3 Collared dove 327 8 availability of reliable data, as follows: Turtle dove -97 -93 1972–2014 for collared doves, 1975–2014 Cuckoo 1 -56 -43 for sparrowhawks and 1977–2014 for house sparrows. Barn owl na 227 ▼ Little owl -65 -58 More details on the BBS, including Tawny owl -32 -21 ▲ The Breeding Bird Survey 2015 report, Swift na -47 can be found at bto.org/bbs Kingfisher2 -15 -2 Green woodpecker 101 31 ▼ Jenny Hibbert (rspb-images.com) Jenny Great spotted woodpecker 1 360 136 Lesser spotted woodpecker -83 na Kestrel 1 -48 -36 Hobby na -10 Peregrine na -13 Ring-necked parakeet na 1314 Magpie 100 0 na = trends not available Jay 14 25 Jackdaw 152 57 ▲ ▼ Indicates where a species has Rook na -20 moved up or down between the Red, Carrion crow 1 99 19 Amber and Green llists since BoCC3. For example, curlews have moved up Hooded crow na 19 from the Amber list in BoCC3 to the Raven na 45 Red list in BoCC4, showing that they Goldcrest 1 -21 3 are now considered more threatened. Grey wagtails moved onto the Red list in BoCC4. Blue tit 24 3
10 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 11 Common and widespread breeding birds John Bridges (rspb-images.com) Long-term BBS trend % Species trend % BoCC4 (1995–2014) (1970–2014)
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Andy Hay Great tit 86 40 Coal tit 20 3 Willow tit -93 -77 Marsh tit -72 -32 Skylark -60 -24 Sand martin 2 2 -34 ▼ Swallow 15 26 ▼ House martin -47 -10 Long-tailed tit 90 12 Wood warbler na -56 Chiffchaff 92 96 Whitethroat Willow warbler -42 -8 Blackcap 298 151 Garden warbler -5 -19 David J Slater (rspb-images.com) Lesser whitethroat 19 2 Whitethroat 9 33 ▼ Grasshopper warbler na -18 Sedge warbler -25 -6 Reed warbler 105 13 Nuthatch 259 94 Treecreeper -11 7 Wren 52 20 Starling -80 -49 Dipper 2 -28 -13 ▲ Blackbird -15 22 Song thrush -53 15 Mistle thrush -57 -28 ▲ Spotted flycatcher -86 -44 Robin 45 17 Whinchat Nightingale na -40 ▲ Pied flycatcher na -48 ▲
Redstart 75 47 Tom Marshall (rspb-images.com) Whinchat na -53 ▲ Stonechat na 29 Wheatear na -11 ▼ Dunnock -30 22 House sparrow 3 -66 -5 Tree sparrow -90 125 Dipper Yellow wagtail -67 -42 Grey wagtail 2 -46 -8 ▲ Pied wagtail 36 -2 Tree pipit -67 16 Meadow pipit -35 -9 Chaffinch 27 4 Bullfinch -40 9 Greenfinch -39 -39 Linnet -57 -25 Curlews could be considered Lesser redpoll -86 38 Common crossbill na 16 Goldfinch 154 117 one of the most pressing bird Siskin na 59 Yellowhammer -55 -14 Reed bunting -32 29 conservation priorities in the UK. Corn bunting -90 -34
12 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 13 2 0 Tree s arro eed b ti
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Downward trends for three upland breeding birds Signs of recovery Of the five upland species moved pressing bird conservation grounds need to be considered Continued declines for Red-listed farmland birds onto the Red list in BoCC4, three priorities in the UK. alongside the impact of changes The BBS is well designed to are monitored by the BBS or in upland habitats in the UK. monitor the UK’s farmland birds 120 or b ti a i T rt e do e WBBS: curlews, whinchats and The decline of the whinchat, and, together with the CBC from e o a tai tar i re artrid e grey wagtails. another largely upland species, More unexpected perhaps, the late 1960s, has documented 100 has been monitored by the BBS; is that grey wagtails have the decline of many farmland The UK supports up to 27% of the the data shows a 53% decline moved from the Amber list species over the years. Trends global curlew population, and the during the last two decades. to Red list. Alongside declines have varied since 1994 (smoothed 0 long-term trend shows a 64% As an Afro-Palearctic migrant, in common sandpipers and trends shown on the right), decline from 1970 to 2014. This, this species is a member of dippers, this raises wider but overall show the continued 60 combined with the bird's global two groups for which there is concerns about species associated declines of nine farmland birds on
status of Near Threatened, particular concern. This means with upland streams and rivers. the Red list (such as turtle doves, Index (1994 = 100) suggest that the curlew could be that threats and pressures during starlings and grey partridges). 0 considered one of the most migration and on the wintering However, there are signs of 20 Woodland specialists move into the Red recovery for two species over the period of BBS monitoring: reed Both nightingales and pied These 16 species are evenly split regions. By contrast, a number buntings and tree sparrows. 0 flycatchers have declined since between long-distance migrants of resident woodland species It is important to view the 1 1 6 1 2000 2002 200 2006 200 2010 2012 201 monitoring began in 1994, and resident birds. This reinforces with broader habitat requirements significant increase since 1994 leading to their appearance on existing concerns about the birds that are typically found in gardens for tree sparrows in the context the Red list. These two woodland associated with UK woodlands, (such as robins, great spotted of massive declines between the specialists bring the total number which have been subject to woodpeckers, and blue tits) late 1970s and 1990s. For every Improving trends for two Red and Amber-listed species of woodland birds on the Red list reduced management in recent as well as shorter-distance tree sparrow today there were to 16. decades, and increasing pressure migrants (such as blackcaps) perhaps around 20 in the 1970s, 2 0 Tree s arro eed b ti from deer browsing in many are faring well. and therefore any recovery still has a very long way to go. 200
The Green 1 0 list grows
100 Red kites, little grebes, Index (1994 = 100) whitethroats and wheatears
now join species such as blue Red kite by Andrew Marshall (rspb-images.com) 0
Andrew Marshall (rspb-images.com) Andrew tits, blackbirds and robins on the Green list of least concern. The red kite has shown a particularly dramatic recovery, 0 increasing by 1,026% since 1994. 1 1 6 1 2000 2002 200 2006 200 2010 2012 201
Reintroductions and high breeding success have led to the dramatic120 or b ti a i T rt e do e e o a tai tar i re artrid e recovery of red kites100
in the UK. 0 Pied flycatchers have declined by 48% and now appear on the Red list. 60
14 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 15 Index (1994 = 100) 0
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The BBS provides reliable quality data required to inform Conservation Concern assessment population trends for more than conservation decision-making. added three species to the list 100 of our most common and of those now considered as widespread breeding birds (pages Of the 91 species reported on “former breeders”: once regular 11–13). Other approaches are in the most recent RBBP report, breeding species that have not needed for those species which, covering 2014, 71 were assessed been recorded breeding in the five either through habits, rarity or by BoCC4, and we give their most recent years for which data restricted ranges, occur on BBS updated statuses in the table on were available. transects too infrequently to page 19. Eight species showed an enable monitoring. The data on improvement in status (including Two of these, Temminck’s stints these species are collated mostly woodlarks, bearded tits and and serins, have always been by the Rare Breeding Birds Panel choughs, which joined the Green extremely rare breeders in (RBBP), based largely on the list), with conservation action the UK. records collected by a myriad of helping the populations of species volunteer recording networks. such as bitterns recover. Five Temminck’s stints are breeding In some cases, the RBBP simply species, pochards, Slavonian birds of northern Europe and reports the efforts of focused grebes, merlins, dotterels and Asia, but they established a small annual monitoring on species black redstarts moved onto the population in northern Scotland in of high conservation interest, Red list. The remaining 20 of the the late 1960s. There have never such as corncrakes. However, in 91, not assessed by BoCC4, are been more than a handful of pairs, many cases it provides a unique those which are not considered and the population dwindled synthesis by compiling data from to be a regular component of the from the 1980s onwards. many sources. UK’s birdlife. This may be because The last proven breeding they breed only occasionally was in 1997, although it was The quality of monitoring by the (eg. European bee-eaters), or suspected in 2007. RBBP’s efforts varies widely indeed they have never bred, between species. For some but from time-to-time visiting Serins arrived from the other species it is complete, or virtually individuals exhibit breeding direction, at around the same time so. For other species, the data behaviour (eg. great reed as the Temminck’s stints, with covers only a small proportion of warblers). The RBBP logs such sporadic records in the 1960s the population; may vary in quality occurrences, as it may be that building up to regular breeding between years; or is biased in they represent a precursor to in scattered counties of southern other ways. This is particularly future colonisation, such as England in the 1970s and 80s. true for some of the scarce the firstlittle egrets that It seemed this species of species covered by the RBBP, displayed to each other in southern Europe was moving and those which have the early 1990s, before their first north, and colonisation was distributions away from reserves, breeding in 1996 and subsequent imminent, but this never popular birdwatching locations population explosion. happened and, like the and well-populated areas. Temminck's stints, numbers The status of bearded tits is now As well as logging the arrival of began to fall, with the last known For such species, bespoke new species as breeding birds breeding in 2006. Predictions less precarious: they've moved surveys, repeated at regular in the UK, the RBBP has the of range change in response to intervals, such as those less enviable task of tracking the climate change do, however, conducted under the Statutory declines of other species. In rare suggest that one day serins may from the Amber to the Green list. Conservation Agency and RSPB cases, such declines can lead to be back in the UK. Annual Breeding Bird Scheme the disappearance of species. (SCARABBS), provide the higher The most recent Birds of
16 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 17 Scarce and rare breeding birds Species1 Population estimate2 Trend (% change) Trend source and period3 BoCC4 Notes for table (opposite) Whooper swan 23 729 RBBP 1 Trends for three rare breeding Pintail 28 9 RBBP seabirds – Arctic skuas, roseate Garganey 95 65 RBBP terns and little terns – are Wrynecks lost from the UK Pochard 681 177 RBBP ▲ presented on page 31. The wryneck's story is rather and grew in the pine forests of Common scoter 52 (2007) -50 RBBP 2 Population estimates are based different to that of the two other northern Scotland. But mirroring Goldeneye 200 (APEP) Increase RBBP on the most recent survey lost breeders. This is not the loss the tales of Temminck’s stints Quail 757 64 RBBP results (with the year of origin of a transient visitor, but the and serins, this colonisation Black grouse 5,100 (2005) -80 SCARABBS (1991/92–2005) in brackets), or means of RBBP extinction as a breeding bird faltered. Although occasional (2009/10) Capercaillie 1,300 -42 SCARABBS (1992/93/94– 2009/10) or annual survey totals from the of a species that was once sightings are still reported, the (2006) ▼ Red-throated diver 1,300 38 SCARABBS (1994–2006) five years 2010–2014. widespread across the country. last known breeding in Scotland (2006) Black-throated diver 220 16 SCARABBS (1985–2006) In the late 19th century, this bird was in 2002, and 1985 in England. (2016) ▼ For species for which RBBP Bittern 162 737 Annual monitoring (1990/94–2012/16) of open woodland, heathland, Little egret 855 Large increase RBBP ▼ totals may underestimate numbers, we have used parks and large gardens was Wrynecks thus earn the Slavonian grebe 27 -61 Annual surveys ▲ alternative estimates from the recorded breeding in 54 counties unfortunate distinction of being Black-necked grebe 52 55 RBBP Avian Population Estimates across England and Wales, the first once-widespread Honey buzzard 41 338 RBBP Panel (Musgrove, et al. (2013) and was sufficiently common breeding species to be lost from (2015) White-tailed eagle 106 917 Annual surveys British Birds 106: 64–100). For that in 1912 the RSPB was the UK for nearly 200 years, since Marsh harrier 340 605 RBBP those well-monitored species advertising bird boxes specifically great bustards were hunted Hen harrier 630 (2010) 15 SCARABBS (1988/89–2010) with increasing populations, for wrynecks. to extinction in the 1830s. Montagu’s harrier 12 2 RBBP we have used the most recently Goshawk 505 303 RBBP available year of data. But by this point, wrynecks were Wrynecks have also declined Golden eagle 508 16 SCARABBS (1982–2015) ▼ actually in decline and already across Europe: the Pan-European Numbers are pairs, territories Osprey 218 360 RBBP lost from Wales. By the 1950s Common Bird Monitoring or units which are likely to be Merlin 1,100 (2008) 94 SCARABBS (2008) ▲ equivalent to breeding pairs, the species had contracted Scheme estimates a decline Hobby 2,800 (APEP) 284 RBBP but for RBBP are based on further, with few found away from of 54% since 1980. The causes (2014) Peregrine 1,505 5 SCARABBS (1992–2014) possible breeding attempts and southeast England. This decline are unclear, although changes (2012) Spotted crake 28 150 RBBP therefore include, for example, continued until regular breeding in land management leading Corncrake 1,090 (2015) 120 Annual surveys (1993–2016) single territorial male birds and ceased in England by the 1970s. to loss of habitat and, possibly Crane 21 1,633 RBBP so do not necessarily equate to At the same time there were more importantly, a decline in Stone-curlew 400 213 Annual surveys successful breeding attempts. signs of hope for wrynecks as invertebrate food availability, Avocet 1,735 377 RBBP Thus for wrynecks we present a small population established seem likely to have played a part. Little ringed plover 1,200 (2007) 80 Surveys (1984–2007) an average population of three, based on the continued Dotterel 423 (2011) -57 SCARABBS (1987/88–2011) ▲ occurrence of small numbers Whimbrel 300 (2009) >-50 Surveys (1995–2007) of unpaired birds each spring. Black-tailed godwit 56 13 RBBP The estimate for capercaillie is Wryneck UK distribution Ruff 8 -63 RBBP individuals counted in the winter. Purple sandpiper 1 -50 RBBP Extent of 18th–19th Red-necked phalarope 38 141 RBBP 3 RBBP and annual survey trends century distribution Green sandpiper 3 Increase RBBP are five-year means calculated Wood sandpiper 28 595 RBBP for a 25-year period between Remaining breeding Mediterranean gull 921 >10,000 RBBP 1985–1989 and 2010–2014, areas by mid 1950 except for white-tailed eagles, Yellow-legged gull 2 Increase RBBP for which 1987–1991 and Nightjar 4,600 (2004) 114 SCARABBS (1982–2004) ▼ Approximate breeding 2012–2016 are used. The trend Wryneck 3 -67 RBBP Former breeder locations since 1970 periods for those species Golden oriole 2 -92 RBBP covered by periodic surveys, Red-backed shrike 4 -59 RBBP such as SCARABBS, are given. Chough 394 (2014) -1 SCARABBS (1982–2014) ▼ RBBP trends for common Firecrest 832 1,021 RBBP scoters and spotted crakes Bearded tit 607 63 RBBP ▼ have been given despite Woodlark 3,100 (2006) 1,086 SCARABBS (1986–2006) ▼ SCARABBS coverage, as they Cetti’s warbler 1,622 694 RBBP allow a 25-year trend to be given rather than just 12 years Dartford warbler 3,200 (2006) 663 SCARABBS (2006) between surveys. Savi’s warbler 5 -70 RBBP
Marsh warbler 8 -71 RBBP Species that have colonised the (2012) Ring ouzel 5,332 -72 Atlas & SCARABBS (1988/91–2012) UK since the start of the 25-year Fieldfare 1 -78 RBBP period cannot have percentage Redwing 13 -70 RBBP figures calculated, so we have Black redstart 59 -46 RBBP ▲ just noted that an increase Cirl bunting 1,079 (2016) 814 SCARABBS (1989–2016) has occurred.
18 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 19 Recent surveys
Recent surveys Cirl bunting numbers fly past the recovery target Once widespread across southern There were 895 cirl bunting between 2006 and 2011), and England, by 1989 there were territories recorded in 186 tetrads, in east and north Devon. The 2015 national golden eagle survey fewer than 120 pairs of cirl with the overall population buntings left, almost all confined estimated at 1,079 territories The cirl bunting's recovery is In 2015, a complete survey much lower numbers following factor limiting the population in to a narrow coastal strip in south (using a correction factor for a fantastic example of a species' covering more than 700 potential persecution in the 19th century. some regions. Devon. But a survey of the territories that may have been recovery enabled by the use of golden eagle home ranges in Golden eagles were once found species in summer 2016 has missed by only surveying tetrads an agri-environment scheme, Britain found 508 territorial pairs, across most upland areas of This recovery in numbers shown the population has grown twice, as derived from previous supported by a dedicated project a 15% increase in the population Britain, but they are now found means that, at a national scale, – passing the 1,000-pair target national surveys). The findings officer. Much of the success is due from the 442 pairs found by the only in Scotland, following the the population now meets the set by an ambitious recovery suggest that the population has to how the robust evidence-base previous survey in 2003. disappearance of England’s last abundance target identified in project 25 years ago. increased by 25%, and the number has been used to underpin the remaining golden eagle in 2016. the Conservation Framework of occupied tetrads by 36%, since design and delivery of conservation The survey involved six months of for Golden Eagle to define The survey aimed to assess the last national survey in 2009. action, by identifying the key tough fieldwork, with surveyors In 2015, the proportion of home “favourable conservation status”. range expansion. It involved resources needed by the birds and visiting each home range on a ranges occupied was 70%, Home range occupancy and full territory surveys of 220 The core of the population monitoring how they have minimum of three occasions but there was marked variation productivity varies significantly tetrads (2 km x 2 km squares) remains in south Devon, with responded to targeted between January and August between regions. The northern by region. occupied by cirl buntings concentrations around the interventions. It is also a great 2015. Firstly, to look for eagles Highlands and the central spine during the previous full survey Salcombe, Dart and Teign example of how conservationists, or signs of their presence, then of the country, between the Increased monitoring and in 2009 and in intervening estuaries. But there are also farmers and government agencies to look for evidence of breeding Great Glen and Stirlingshire, saw tagging of eagles, as well years to 2015, as well as increasing numbers in Cornwall have worked together to turn or carry out further checks for the greatest increase in eagle as the introduction of new 132 adjacent tetrads. (following a successful around the fortunes of a threatened occupation, and finally to record numbers between 2003 and legislation, may be serving re-introduction programme species at a landscape scale. productivity of nesting pairs. 2015. Recovery also continues in as effective deterrents Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) much of the west Highlands and against persecution of This was the fourth complete Islands, with modest increases eagles, so facilitating this survey of golden eagles in Britain noted there. However, this population increase. enabling comparison with results positive progress is not consistent The cirl bunting's recovery is a from previous national censuses across Scotland. Concerns remain Fieldwork was carried out by carried out since the early 1980s. about low levels of home range expert licensed volunteers from great success that is linked Previous surveys showed an occupancy in the east Highlands. the Scottish Raptor Study Group apparently stable population of Persecution associated with and RSPB fieldworkers. around 420–440 breeding pairs, grouse moor management has to the use of targeted reached after a recovery from been highlighted as a particular agri-environment schemes. Paul Sawer (rspb-images.com) Sawer Paul
Golden eagles have increased by 15% since 2003.
20 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 21 Recent surveys
Winter Thrushes Survey
In the winters of 2012/13 and The survey resulted in wintering Provisional results of the 2013/14, the Winter Thrushes population estimates of 6.7 to observed behaviour of the birds Steve Round (rspb-images.com) Round Steve Survey, undertaken by BTO 11.4 million blackbirds, 575,000 are that fieldfares and redwings volunteers, aimed to generate to 965,000 song thrushes, fed most commonly on hawthorn up-to-date estimates of numbers and 422,000 to 715,000 mistle berries, whereas blackbirds, of each of the five thrush species thrushes. For song thrushes, song thrushes and mistle present in the UK during the the most recently estimated thrushes favoured invertebrates, winter, and provide information breeding equivalent of 1.2 million particularly earthworms. about their habitat-use and food territories is higher than our The relative importance of preferences. Three thrush species winter estimates, suggesting food types changed over the have large breeding populations that if these were typical winters, winter for all species, with a in the UK, but the extent that a significant proportion of the shift from foraging in trees, shrubs winter numbers, especially of breeding song thrush population or hedgerows at the beginning of blackbirds, are boosted by had departed the UK by this winter to ground foraging from continental migrants has never time. Neither of the two winters January onwards. before been quantified. Partially were particularly severe and migratory species, such as song both had relatively poor berry Further analysis should give us thrushes and mistle thrushes, crops. The other key output of a better insight into the habitats tend to leave the UK during the survey was new estimates and food resources that are most severe weather. Small-scale of 15.1 million fieldfares and 8.6 important for sustaining thrushes movements of these species million redwings visiting from through the winter months. throughout the winter to Ireland, continental Europe. France and Spain also impact on wintering numbers to a Andrew Parkinson (rspb-images.com) lesser extent. For redwings and fieldfares, which breed almost exclusively outside of the UK, numbers visiting the UK during winter are unknown.
The survey collected data from a stratified random sample of 1 km core squares – more than 1,350 were surveyed over the two winters, with more than half (54%) surveyed in both winters. Volunteers also surveyed self-selected sites to provide additional data on thrush foraging behaviour. Core surveys were conducted within a ten-day period Between 422,000 between the end of December and early January, to provide a to 715,000 mistle snapshot during midwinter (to minimise double-counting and exclude birds passing through on thrushes spend the migration). Population estimates were calculated using a modelling winter in the UK. approach, to account for potential bias due to unrepresentative habitat composition of the surveyed squares, as well as variability in habitat, weather, time and duration of observation. 8.6 million redwings are thought to visit the UK in winter.
22 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 23 Birds of Conservation Concern 4: an overview
Headlines from BoCC4 Birds of Conservation Mark Hamblin (rspb-images.com) BoCC4, published in 2015, gave us the first new update since 2009. Every native species Concern 4: considered to be a regular breeder and/or to have an established non-breeding population in the UK was assessed, an overview totalling 247 species. Throughout SUKB 2016 we Pressures upon wildlife are many and varied, and limited resources mean use the new assessment to action can’t be taken for every species, everywhere, all the time. Red colour-code species names, and here we give an overview of the lists, which identify the species in most pressing need of help, inform assessment and what it tells us decisions about how to use precious and limited conservation resources. for both individual species, and the UK’s birdlife as a whole. Long-tailed ducks jumped straight from the Green to the Red list. In the UK, Birds of Conservation Red list species meet one Amber list species meet one Concern (BoCC) assessments or more of these criteria: or more of these criteria: • The Red list grew substantially: have been conducted at regular a net increase of 15, from 52 • The Green list increased, as 22 There have been some minor intervals since 1996. These use • they are considered at threat • they are considered at threat species in 2009 to 67 in 2015. species moved from Amber to changes in the way assessments the best, most up-to-date data of global extinction of European extinction Over a quarter of the species Green. Whilst some of these are conducted, including to assess all of the UK’s regularly assessed (more than ever moves were due to minor improvements in data availability occurring breeding and • they have shown severe • they have shown historical before) are now Red-listed. changes in the assessment and amendments to the criteria non-breeding species against historical (since 1800) decline decline in the UK with process, 13 were due to used, but the four assessments a set of tried and tested criteria. in the UK, without subsequent some recent recovery • 20 species moved onto the genuine improvements in are broadly comparable. These criteria assess historical recovery Red list: 18 moved from Amber status, such as for bearded decline, trends in population and • they have shown moderate to Red and two, white-fronted tits, woodlarks, golden The Red list has grown in length range, population size, localisation • they have shown severe (between 25% and 50%) geese and long-tailed ducks, eagles and whitethroats. at each review. The shifts in and the international importance (greater than 50%) population population decline or range moved straight from Green to the numbers of species on for each species, as well as decline or range contraction, contraction over the last Red. Merlins returned to the The barchart below shows how the three lists tell a story about considering their status in Europe over the last 25 years or a 25 years, or a longer-term Red list having moved from the overall balance of Red, Amber the changing fortunes of the and globally. Depending on the longer-term period stretching period stretching back Red to Amber in the past. and Green-listed species has UK’s birds, with both good criteria they meet, each species is back to 1969. to 1969 changed since the firstBoCC and bad news in the most placed on the Red, Amber • Three species – Temminck’s assessment in 1996. recent assessment. or Green list. • they are rare in the breeding stints, wrynecks and serins and/or non-breeding season – were added to the list of “former breeders” (those Changes in BoCC lists • they are localised to effectively declared extinct a few sites as breeding species in the UK). 2 0 Given the mobile nature of • they have an internationally birds, the possibility of a future important population return cannot be ruled out, 200 in the UK. but the loss of these breeding species is concerning. See ree ist Green list species are those that pages 17–19. 1 0 Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) meet none of the Red or Amber ber ist list criteria. • Three species moved the ed ist right way, from Red to Amber, ber of s e ies 100
Full details of the BoCC including dunlins, bitterns or er breeder assessment process and and nightjars. The recovering 0 results can be found at: breeding populations of britishbirds.co.uk/wp-content/ bitterns and nightjars are
uploads/2014/07/BoCC4.pdf a result of targeted 0 Merlins have returned to the Red list. conservation work. o 1 o 2 o o
24 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 25 Birds of Conservation Concern 4: an overview
Recent breeding range expansion in bearded tits means that they The complete BoCC4 Red, Amber • Colonies of breeding seabirds • An increasing number of no longer qualify for the Amber and Green lists are shown on provide one of the UK’s species qualified for the list, so have moved to Green. pages 28–29. They highlight greatest wildlife spectacles Red list due to concern at The 772 pairs reported to the Rare a number of important themes and are, arguably, our most a global scale. Pochards, Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) in 2014
for the conservation of birds important ornithological feature long-tailed ducks, velvet Andrew (rspb-images.com) Ben was the highest number on record. in the UK: in international terms. But scoters, Slavonian grebes, The increase was aided by the many seabirds are in decline: puffins and turtle doves restoration, creation and management • Farmland birds (see pages shags, kittiwakes and puffins are all on the threatened of the reedbeds they require. 8–9) remain a serious concern. take the number of Red-listed categories of the IUCN Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Twelve farmland species are seabird species to seven. Global Red List, The UK has Red-listed and the majority an international responsibility Considered “near threatened” globally, of these, including turtle • Long-distance migrants, to act for these species with an internationally-significant but rapidly doves and corn buntings, particularly those that winter and try to prevent their declining population in the UK, curlews continue to decline. No new in sub-Saharan Africa, are a global extinction. could be considered one of the most farmland birds joined the major source of concern right pressing bird conservation priorities in Red list in 2015, but that across Europe. Three more – • Targeted conservation can the UK, with urgent action required simply reflects that those whinchats, pied flycatchers and does improve the status to halt their decline. Research and likely to be impacted adversely and nightingales – joined the of threatened species. As trial management in the uplands is by modern farming practices BoCC Red list in 2015 (see well as bitterns and nightjars intended to identify practical conservation are Red-listed already. pages 11 and 13 for trends). moving off the Red list, other management solutions. species have moved from • There are more birds • Climate change is increasingly Amber to Green. The red associated with woodland on implicated in the fortunes kite was once so threatened the Red list (16) than birds of of the UK’s biodiversity, and that it only survived in a few One of five upland species to move to the other habitats, now including its impact can be seen in remote Welsh valleys, but Red list in the latest review, numbers woodcocks, nightingales and the new BoCC lists (pages protection of this population of breeding dotterels have declined pied flycatchers. 28–29). Warming weather has and reintroduction projects severely since the 1980s. Causes may helped southern colonists in England, Northern Ireland include changes in grazing pressure, • The publication of Bird Atlas such as firecrests and little and Scotland have ensured atmospheric pollution, as well as 2007–2011 in 2013 revealed egrets onto the Green list. that this majestic bird is the impact of climate change, worrying range loss and But it may be contributing now a common sight across Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com) which mountain-dwelling species declines in abundance for a to the problems faced by many areas of the UK. are especially vulnerable to. suite of upland birds. BoCC4 long-distance migrants, as Indeed, the species is now
gives further grounds for well as disrupting the marine monitored by the BBS, the John Bridges (rspb-images.com) concern, with five upland ecosystems that seabirds rely survey designed to monitor species – curlews, dotterels, upon, and shifting the climate change in our more abundant As reported in SUKB 2015, nightingales merlins, whinchats and grey space of upland species and species (page 11). have declined and contracted in range; wagtails – moving to the northern breeding birds. they are now rare away from the Red list. southeast of England. As both a long-distance migrant, and a woodland bird, the nightingale belongs to two of the UK’s most at-risk bird groupings. Note: the direction of the red, amber and green arrows shown alongside the species photographs (page 26–29) indicate the falling or rising levels of conservation concern for those species as they move from one list to another.
In 1997 the UK’s bittern population was down to just 11 booming males at seven sites. Thanks to a programme Although lowland heathland of reedbed management, remains a rare and fragmented restoration and creation, habitat, improved management bitterns have undergone a of this habitat has aided an remarkable population expansion increase in nightjar numbers and Ben Andrew Andrew (rspb-images.com) Ben with 162 booming males recorded in Tipling David (rspb-images.com) an expansion of their range, resulting 2016, at 75 sites. As a consequence of in a welcome move from the Red this recovery, bitterns moved from the to Amber list. Red to the Amber list in BoCC4.
26 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 27 Birds of Conservation Concern 4: the lists Birds of Conservation BoCC4 Green list
Tufted duck (A) Little ringed plover Jackdaw Lesser whitethroat Concern 4: the lists Red-breasted merganser Little stint Rook Whitethroat (A) Goosander Jack snipe (A) Carrion crow Sedge warbler Where species have shown a change in status in the BoCC4 review, we have noted the previous BoCC3 Ptarmigan Pomarine skua Hooded crow Reed warbler status in parentheses: (R) = Red, (A) = Amber, (G) = Green, (na) = not assessed previously. Red-throated diver (A) Long-tailed skua Raven Waxwing Great shearwater Little auk Goldcrest Nuthatch BoCC4 Red list Sooty shearwater (A) Black tern (A) Firecrest (A) Treecreeper Cormorant Little gull(A) Blue tit Wren White-fronted goose (G) Ringed plover (A) Golden oriole Nightingale (A) Little egret (A) Rock dove Great tit Blackbird Pochard (A) Dotterel (A) Red-backed shrike Pied flycatcher (A) Grey heron Woodpigeon Crested tit (A) Robin Scaup Whimbrel Willow tit Black redstart (A) Little grebe (A) Collared dove Coal tit Stonechat Long-tailed duck (G) Curlew (A) Marsh tit Whinchat (A) Great crested grebe Barn owl (A) Bearded tit (A) Wheatear (A) Common scoter Black-tailed godwit Skylark House sparrow Red kite (A) Long-eared owl Woodlark (A) Pied wagtail Velvet scoter (A) Ruff Wood warbler Tree sparrow Goshawk Green woodpecker (A) Sand martin (A) Rock pipit Black grouse Red-necked phalarope Grasshopper warbler Yellow wagtail Sparrowhawk Great spotted woodpecker Swallow (A) Brambling Capercaillie Woodcock(A) Savi's warbler Grey wagtail (A) Buzzard Hobby Cetti’s warbler Chaffinch Grey partridge Arctic skua Aquatic warbler Tree pipit Golden eagle (A) Peregrine Long-tailed tit Greenfinch Balearic shearwater Puffin (A) Marsh warbler Hawfinch Water rail Chough (A) Chiffchaff Crossbill Shag (A) Roseate tern Starling Linnet Moorhen Magpie Blackcap Goldfinch Red-necked grebe (A) Kittiwake (A) Ring ouzel Twite Coot Jay Garden warbler Siskin Slavonian grebe (A) Herring gull Fieldfare Lesser redpoll Golden plover (A) White-tailed eagle Turtle dove Song thrush Yellowhammer Hen harrier Cuckoo Redwing Cirl bunting Corncrake Lesser spotted woodpecker Mistle thrush (A) Corn bunting BoCC4 Former breeders Lapwing Merlin (A) Spotted flycatcher Great Bustard Temminck’s stint (R) Great auk Wryneck (R)
BoCC4 Amber list Kentish plover Black tern Snowy owl Serin (A)
Mute swan (G) Manx shearwater Common sandpiper Stock dove Bewick's swan European storm petrel Green sandpiper Tawny owl (G) Whooper swan Leach’s petrel Spotted redshank Short-eared owl Bean goose Gannet Greenshank (G) Nightjar (R) There are more birds of woodland on the Red list than of any other habitat. Pink-footed goose Bittern (R) Wood sandpiper Swift The woodcock – an unusual wader Greylag goose Spoonbill Redshank Kingfisher known for its bizarre, crepuscular Barnacle goose Black-necked grebe Snipe Kestrel display flights – has shown Brent goose Honey buzzard Great skua Shorelark a severe long-term decline in Shelduck Marsh harrier Black guillemot House martin range. We need to know more Wigeon Montagu’s harrier Razorbill Willow warbler Chris Knights (rspb-images.com) about the causes of decline in Gadwall Osprey Guillemot Dartford warbler this and other woodland birds. Teal Spotted crake Little tern Short-toed treecreeper Mallard Crane Sandwich tern Dipper (G) Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Pintail Stone-curlew Common tern Common redstart Garganey Avocet Arctic tern Dunnock Seabirds rose up the conservation agenda Shoveler Oystercatcher Black-headed gull Meadow pipit with the Red-listing of four species Eider Grey plover Mediterranean gull Water pipit in BoCC3. Concern continues to rise, with kittiwakes, along with shags and Goldeneye Bar-tailed godwit Common gull Bullfinch puffins, added to the Red list in Smew Turnstone Lesser black-backed gull Mealy redpoll (G) BoCC4. A widespread crash in the Quail Knot Yellow-legged gull Scottish crossbill breeding success of this species is
Red grouse Curlew sandpiper (G) Caspian gull (na) Parrot crossbill likely to be linked to the impact of Black-throated diver Sanderling (G) Iceland gull Snow bunting rising ocean temperatures on Great northern diver Dunlin (R) Glaucous gull Lapland bunting kittiwake food supplies. Fulmar Purple sandpiper Great black-backed gull Reed bunting
28 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 29 120
100
0 100
0 60 60 0 All farmland birds (19) 0 de 1 0 100 20 20 er e ta e of s e ies
0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort ter ter
120 Breeding seabirds 100
0 100
0 60 All woodland birds (37) Trends in UK60 breeding seabirds 0 Breeding seabirds 0 de 1 0 100 The table shows the differing 1986 – 2015 2000-2015 20 Species BoCC4 fortunes of 16 seabird20 species trend % trend % monitored by the SMP over er e ta e of s e ies the Since 1986, breeding seabird colonies around the UK and Ireland0 0 Fulmar -33 -31 short- and o long-term. hort Results are 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 Gannet * 86 34 have been monitored annually by the Seabird Monitoring Programme presentedter forter the UK and only include species whose trends Cormorant 4 -8 120 (SMP), co-ordinated by the JNCC, with surveys undertaken by partner are considered to be robust. Shag -45 -34 ▲ Arctic skua -76 -64 organisations and dedicated volunteers. 100 ** You can see the full SMP report Great skua 53 18 Kittiwake -60 -44 ▲ 0 at: jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-3201100 The SMP receives data on help to identify the drivers of agreements, as well as providing Black-headed gull 24 38 All water and wetland birds (26) 0 seabird breeding abundance change, and to make inferences the broad scale 60measurement of For more information on the Great black-backed gull -1 -11 and productivity from up to 500 about the health of the wider the state of the UK’s breeding SMP please visit: 60 Little tern -34 -18 0 Sandwich tern 5 13 different seabird colonies each marine environment. seabird population. jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1550 0 year. Trends from these data allow de 1 100 Common tern -17 -10 20 20 Roseate tern -52 229 us to assess the state of our SMP data are used for several er e ta e of s e ies Arctic tern 19 17 breeding seabird populations, regional, national and international 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort Guillemot 37 5 ter ter Razorbill 87 32
UK seabird indicator ot a ai ab e tro i rease * Trend derived from census interpolations and extrapolations. The UK seabird indicator stands ea i rease ** Due to low confidence in the data since the last census, this value is not presented in the current SMP report. 120 at 27% below the 1986 baseline. o ha e Data are not available to produce robust trends for Red-listed puffins and herring gulls. ea de i e Two species (guillemots and 100 razorbills) have increased since tro de i e the beginning of the index, three 0 100 Mixed fortunes species have decreased, and the Seabirds (13) 0 remaining eight species have 60 Since SMP monitoring began for nesting territories with, and reached a peak in 1996, but shown no marked change. 60 in 1986, substantial declines predation by, great skuas. Rises has slowly declined, with some 0 have occurred in the breeding in sea surface temperature may fluctuation, since then. This recent New additions to the Red list that de 1 6 100 0 populations of shags, Arctic also have affected the abundance decline may be due to a reduction feature in the seabird indicator are 20 skuas, kittiwakes, roseate terns, or availability of key prey species in the amount of offal discarded 20 er e ta e of s e ies kittiwakes, which have declined little terns and fulmars. Declines such as sandeels in some areas. from fishing trawlers. This means 0 0 by 60%, and shags, which have 1 6 1 1 1 6 2001 2006 2011 o hort in these species have continued it could represent a re-adjustment declined by 45% since 1986. ter ter over the short term (2000–2015), The decline in little tern numbers to more natural fulmar abundance with the exception of the roseate since 1986 is likely to be due levels following a period of tro i rease ea i rease o ha e ea de i e tro de i e tern which continues to recover to the low levels of productivity artificially-elevated population size. The figure above shows the unsmoothed trend (solid line). No smoothed trend is from the declines the species observed over the same available for seabirds, as individual species suffered in the 1980s. period, leading to lower rates Gannet productivity has been population trends are analysed using of recruitment (i.e. fewer young consistently high since 1986. an imputation procedure that does not Great skuas' breeding numbers are surviving to join the adult This may be due to their ability to include smoothing. Please see the notes are thought to be at their breeding population). avoid food shortages by foraging on page 9 for a full explanation of the bar 2 chart (above). highest level since monitoring over large areas (up to 500 km began, contrasting starkly with a Increased frequency of extreme around their colonies), and feed on As data are based on a mixture of full continued decline in the Arctic weather events such as storms a wide variety of fish species and
Malcolm Hunt (rspb-images.com) counts and sample sites, standard skua population, now thought may also be affecting seabird discards from the fishing industry. bootstrapping methods used for other to be at its lowest level. In 2009, populations. Shags and terns are Combined with high adult survival indicators cannot be applied and the trend is presented without confidence intervals. the Arctic skua became the first especially susceptible due to their rates and good breeding success, For details of species' trends in each species to jump straight from the inability to forage effectively in these may be the main reasons indicator, download the datasheet: Green to the Red list of BoCC; rough seas, which can ultimately for the observed gannet jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4235 and the decline first noted in the lead to starvation. population increase. early 1990s has showed no signs Source: British Trust for Ornithology, Defra, The Royal Society for the Protection of slowing. Factors behind this SMP data suggests the abundance Razorbill numbers have increased since the start of the seabird index in 1986. of Birds and the Seabird Monitoring are likely to include competition of fulmars breeding in the UK Programme (co-ordinated by Joint Nature Conservation Committee).
30 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 31 Breeding seabirds Breeding seabirds
Seabird status in BoCC4
Seabird censuses conducted Three species were declines. The latter two in 1969–70, 1985–88 and Red-listed for the first time: species are also of concern Shags and kittiwakes are 1998–2002 were used along kittiwakes and shags due to due to breeding range decline with SMP data and IUCN listings declining breeding populations, and wintering population Red-listed for the first time to support BoCC4 assessments and puffins because of the decline, respectively. for seabirds. upgrading of their global conservation status to Vulnerable. Balearic shearwaters, visitors in BoCC4. Seven of the UK’s seabird species to UK waters, also remain are currently Red-listed, 17 are Arctic skuas, roseate terns and on the Red list due to their Amber and one, the cormorant, herring gulls remain on the Red global conservation status. is Green-listed. list due to ongoing population
Breeding abundance of shags
200
1 0
160200
1 0
120160 Kevin Sawford (rspb-images.com) Sawford Kevin 1001 0
120 0
Index (1986 = 100) 10060
0 Index (1986 = 100) 2060
00 20 1 6 1 1 0 1 2 1 6 1 2000 2002 2006 200 2010 2012 1 200 201 0 1 6 1 1 0 1 2 1 6 1 2000 2002 2006 200 2010 2012 1 200 201
Breeding200 abundance of kittiwakes
200 1 0
1 0 100 Shag by Andrew Parkinson (rspb-images.com) Index (1986 = 100) 100 0 Index (1986 = 100)
0 0 1 6 1 1 0 1 2 1 6 1 2000 2002 2006 200 2010 2012 1 200 201 0 1 6 1 1 0 1 2 1 6 1 2000 2002 2006 200 2010 2012 1 200 201
Declining breeding populations have caused kittiwakes to be Red-listed for the first time.
32 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 33 120
100
0 100
0 60 60 0 All farmland birds (19) 0 de 1 0 100 During a year, The Wash, the 20 20 Wintering waterbirds er e ta e of s e ies 0 0 Ribble Estuary and Morecambe 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) and Goose and Swan Monitoring ter ter Bay each attract hundreds of Programme (GSMP) keep track of120 waterbirds that visit UK wetlands in winter, or during passage as they migrate along the East Atlantic Flyway. thousands of waterbirds. 100 Millions of non-breeding site protection 0 require Bay in north-west England 100 waterbirds use the UK’s wetlands an international approach. each attract 200,000–400,000 0 every year, to spend the winter 60 waterbirds during the year. Inland or pause to refuel on their way The international importance All siteswoodland hold birds notable (37) concentrations 60 0 to wintering areas in southern of many UK wetlands is widely too: over 100,000 waterbirds are 0 Europe or western and southern recognised, either de 1 0 100 for their often recorded at the Somerset 20 20
Africa. Many of these come from significant waterbird numbers or Levels and Ouse Washes. er e ta e of s e ies Arctic breeding grounds stretching because of their0 importance for Individual birds move between 0 from Canada to Siberia. As these individual species.1 0 According 1 1 0 to 1 1 0sites 1 throughout 2000 200 the 2010 season, o and hort ter ter migratory waterbirds depend on WeBS and GSMP counts, The when this turnover is taken into a network of wetland sites across Wash in eastern120 England and the account, the number of birds using many countries, monitoring and Ribble Estuary and Morecambe each site would be even higher. 100 UK wintering waterbird indicator 0 100 All water and wetland birds (26) 0 60 The wintering waterbird for wintering waders indicating number of winter visitors as 60 indicator shows that on average particular declines. 0 For example, fewer birds move across to the populations rose steadily from the number of ringed plovers UK to avoid cold weather on the 0 de 1 100 20 the mid-1970s into the late 1990s. has declined in recent winters. Continent. For more on trends 20 Following a period of stability, This has led to the move for this for individual wintering waterbird er e ta e of s e ies numbers have now started to species from the0 Amber to the species see page 37. 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 2000 200 2010 o hort decrease, with the indicator Red list, reflecting the decreasing ter ter
ot a ai ab e tro i rease
2 0 ea i rease o ha e ea de i e 200 tro de i e Wintering waterbirds (46) 100 1 0 0
100 60
Index (1975/76 = 100) 0 0
20 er e ta e of s e ies
0 0 1 o hort 1 6 1 0 1 1 6 1 0 1 1 6 2000 01 200 06 2010 1 ter ter
The figure above shows the unsmoothed trend (dashed line) and smoothed trend (solid line). Data from surveys of wintering waterbirds are based on full counts on wetland and coastal sites of markedly varying size. This means that standard indicator bootstrapping methods cannot be applied and the trend is presented without confidence intervals. Please see the notes on page 9 for a full explanation of the bar chart (above).
For details of species' trends in each indicator, download the datasheet: jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4235
Pink-footed goose by Steve Knell (rspb-images.com) Steve goose by Pink-footed Source: British Trust for Ornithology, Defra, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. 34 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 35 Wintering waterbirds Wintering waterbirds
Trends in wintering wetland birds in the UK 25 year trend 10 year trend %2 Species %1 (1988/89- BoCC4 Celebrating 50 years of the (2003/04-2013/14) 2013/14) International Waterbird Census Mute swan 49 -7 ▲ Bewick's swan -77 -60 Counts of waterbirds at UK the large amount of data needed the pressures and threats Whooper swan 98 51 wetlands during January, for to underpin the global status they face, and reported on Pink-footed goose 108 37 schemes such as WeBS or assessments of waterbirds. These conservation measures European white-fronted goose -79 -47 the GSMP, also contribute to a enable conservation organisations being undertaken. Greenland white-fronted goose -19 -37 much larger programme that and government agencies to Icelandic greylag goose -15 8 stretches around the globe: the monitor changes in waterbird • The Conservation Status British greylag goose 149 31 International Waterbird Census populations, and direct and Report for the African- Canada goose 49 8 (IWC). Co-ordinated by Wetlands prioritise conservation action at Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Greenland barnacle goose 146 35 International, the IWC entered site, national and flyway scales. Agreement (AEWA) Svalbard barnacle boose 210 37 th its 50 year in January 2016 – it In recent years, the following This publication looked at Dark-bellied brent goose 15 46 ▼ is a good time to pause, reflect important international reviews the conservation status of Canadian light-bellied brent goose 60 37 and celebrate the success of the were published, which were migratory waterbirds across Svalbard light-bellied brent goose 77 -13 scheme and the achievements of supported by data collected for the AEWA region (page 38). Shelduck -28 -28 all those involved. the IWC: As part of this, the Waterbird Wigeon 33 -15 Population Estimates for Gadwall 170 15 IWC data are collated from most relevant populations, produced Teal 52 1 major waterbird flyways across • The European Red List of by Wetlands International, Mallard -40 -17 the world: Africa-Eurasia, Birds 2015 & the global IUCN were updated. Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and Red List of Birds 2015 Pintail -41 -46 the Neotropics. Since its launch in Compiled by BirdLife The IWC has supported the Shoveler 68 5 ▲ 1967, the census has grown International, both used the identification of almost five Pochard -65 -41 ▼ to cover in excess of 25,000 IUCN’s Red List criteria to million km2 of internationally- Tufted duck 10 9 sites in over 140 countries, measure the extinction risk important areas for waterbirds, Scaup -34 -46 3 with between 30 and 40 million of all bird species within including nearly one million km2 Eider (except Shetland ) 1 -9 waterbirds counted every year. Europe and across the world, of Ramsar Sites, and thousands Goldeneye -50 -32 respectively. of Special Protection Areas (SPAs) Red-breasted merganser -15 -20 The success of the IWC is within Europe. It also provides Goosander 20 12 underpinned by the enormous • Article 12 report the motivation for thousands of Ruddy duck -99 -100 4 effort of a vast network of A review by the European people to visit wetlands, as well Little grebe na -9 ▼ 1Long-term trends are the counters and organisers, most Commission on the as helping to raise awareness Great crested grebe 15 -22 percentage changes between the smoothed index values for of whom are volunteers. Thanks implementation of the Birds among both the public and Cormorant 60 0 to their time and support, along Directive in each Member decision-makers of the value 1988/89 and 2013/14. Coot 1 -18 with that of many organisations State, which looked at the of waterbirds and wetlands. Oystercatcher -25 -19 2Ten-year trends are the and agencies, the IWC can access status of birds, detailed Avocet 910 46 percentage changes between In January 2016, Wetlands the smoothed index values Ringed plover -59 -38 ▲ International launched a year- for 2003/04 and 2013/14. Golden plover 96 -25 ▼ long global “Let’s make it count” Calculation of smoothed indices Grey plover -17 -11 by use of a generalised additive campaign, to inspire and promote Lapwing 14 -27 model is detailed further at action for the conservation of bto.org/webs-alerts wetlands along the world’s Knot -12 -13 ▲ flyways. The campaign engaged Sanderling 30 10 3British eiders comprise two individuals from all walks of life, Purple sandpiper -59 -11 populations; trends here Dunlin -34 -23 ▼ exclude birds in Shetland that Steve Knell (rspb-images.com) Steve as well as governments and are of the race faeroeensis. businesses, to increase awareness Black-tailed godwit 335 45 Bar-tailed godwit -3 -6 and participation in the IWC and 4National monitoring of little support conservation action for Curlew -8 -12 ▲ grebes started later than for wetlands and waterbirds. Redshank -23 -22 other species, so only 10-year Turnstone -47 -18 trends are shown. For more information, visit the Wetlands International website: wetlands.org
The mainland race of eider is listed as Vulnerable on the European Red list.
36 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 37 Wintering waterbirds Malcolm Hunt (rspb-images.com)
Status of migratory waterbirds in the Pochards decline
Africa-Eurasia region According to WeBS and IWC figures,pochards are declining The conservation status of 39% are stable or fluctuating. The Area in November 2015. The significantly in the UK and more many globally-threatened or report indicates that the largest conservation status of waterbirds widely in Europe, and their UK near threatened waterbird number of declining populations was worse in regions where there breeding range has also declined. populations has been found to is amongst the ducks, geese and are fewer Parties signed up to The species moved from Amber have deteriorated over the last swans and the sandpiper group the Agreement. Where concerted to Red on the BoCC4 list, as 20 years, within the area under of waders. A high proportion conservation efforts are being a result of being classified as remit of the Agreement on the of grebe populations are also made, the conservation status of Vulnerable on the global IUCN Conservation of African-Eurasian declining. waterbirds is improving. Red List of Threatened Species Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). (moving from Least Concern These status updates were Further information can be to Vulnerable). Pochards are declining and classified as Vulnerable globally. Of the 376 populations assessed, reported in the sixth edition of the found at: unep-aewa.org/ 36% have declined over the last Conservation Status of Migratory en/document/6th-edition- 20 years, 25% are increasing, and Waterbirds in the Agreement conservation-status-report-csr6 Action for curlews
Curlews and ringed plovers population declines of the race and predator control interventions White-fronted geese decline in the UK are two widespread waders that which occurs in Europe (around are being tested to inform the have been added to the BoCC4 28% of which are in the UK). development of “curlew-friendly” The UK population of white- 2015 census of the Greenland however, increasing IWC counts Red list; curlews due to breeding The wintering population in land management options at the fronted geese is in decline: the white-fronted goose population from other north-west European declines and ringed plovers the UK originates largely from landscape level. Research will species is now on the BoCC4 Red indicated that numbers have fallen countries indicate that the decline due to non-breeding declines. Scandinavia, but also includes include: monitoring how curlews list, moving straight from Green to their lowest since 1984. The in the UK is related to “short- An International Single Species a significant proportion of UK respond to these interventions; due to a decline in non-breeding cause – chronic poor reproductive stopping” – a distributional shift in Action Plan has been adopted breeding birds, and this has detailed habitat use studies during numbers in the UK. The European success – has been linked to wintering range as birds no longer for curlews – with governments, declined by 20% in the last the breeding season; and using and Greenland races are declining either changes in spring weather need to migrate as far in response academics and species experts all 15 years. appropriate tracking technology in the UK and both remain conditions, and/or competition to milder winters. This suggests contributing to a comprehensive during winter. Existing data will separately on the race-level from an expanding Canada that Greenland white-fronted and robust conservation strategy Concerted efforts are underway also be analysed to investigate Red list. However, the causes goose population on their west geese should be the greater to secure the curlew’s long- to understand drivers of decline how populations have changed in of these declines are different Greenland breeding grounds. For conservation priority, in the UK term future. The short-term aims across the UK and the Republic order to help identify key factors for the two races. The spring European white-fronted geese, and globally. include stabilising the breeding of Ireland. Habitat management contributing to the decline.
Sea ducks at risk Find out more
The ducks that use the UK's Single Species Action Plan A fuller summary of the changing marine environment are of has been agreed for status of waterbirds from BoCC4 particular concern, but are long-tailed ducks, with and the latest results from WeBS challenging to monitor due to the objectives of increasing can be found in the 2014/15
Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Andy Hay their offshore distribution. Four survival rates and closing key WeBS report: bto.org/ sea ducks are now on the Red list, knowledge gaps. One is also in webs-annual-report with the addition in BoCC4 of preparation for velvet scoters. velvet scoters and long-tailed Results from the GSMP can ducks, which are considered Common scoters have shown be found at: monitoring.wwt. to be Vulnerable on the global declines in their UK breeding org.uk/our-work/goose-swan- IUCN Red List. Velvet scoters, population and remain on the monitoring-programme/ long-tailed ducks as well as BoCC Red list. The mainland red-breasted mergansers (non-Shetland) race of eider (which remain Green-listed in is listed as Red at the race level the UK) have been up-listed on the BoCC list, and listed in the AEWA classification, as Vulnerable on the European indicating that they are of Red list. higher conservation concern. In response, an International White-fronted geese moved straight from the Green to the Red list; this bird (above) is of the Greenland race.
38 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 39 Birds in the UK Overseas Territories
Population trends of St Helena plovers and Montserrat orioles
Number ofNumber adult of adult Number ofNumber Monterrat of Monterrat orioles orioles St Helena Stplovers Helena plovers at survey atpoints survey points Birds in the UK 700 700 600 600 600 600 500 500 500 500 400 400 Shaded areas are equivalent to 95% confidence intervals. 400 400 Overseas Territories 300 300 300 300 The land and seas for which the zones in the world. These can inhabitants are British nationals, 200 200 200 200 UK is responsible extend far be found in the 14 UK Overseas and the UK is responsible for 100 100 beyond what we tend to think Territories (OTs), which are spread helping to protect their incredible 100 100 of as our country. These include around the world. The OTs are wildlife. 0 0 0 0 areas of tropical rainforest, vast mostly small islands, and include 1900 20011900200320012005200320072005200920072011200920132011201520132017201520112017 20122011 20132012 20142013 20152014 20162015 2016 coral reefs, volcanoes, ice caps two World Heritage Sites of and one of the largest maritime exceptional natural beauty. Their Populations no longer in decline The populations of St Helena and threatened with extinction, are now found on Gough Island, Critically Endangered no more: some success for two birds plovers and Montserrat orioles due to the limitations in suitable part of the Tristan da Cunha group on the IUCN Red List both number over 250 adult habitat and the continued in the remote South Atlantic. birds and are no longer declining, impact or threat of invasive The Gough Island Restoration The St Helena plover, also Endangered to Vulnerable on the recovery work and evidenced by meaning they no longer meet non-native species on both Programme is underway, aiming known as the wirebird, and global IUCN Red List in December the monitoring efforts of numerous the IUCN criteria for Critically islands. Monitoring of their to address the threats to Critically the Montserrat oriole, were 2016. This momentous result has partners on St Helena, Montserrat Endangered. Considering the populations will continue. Endangered Tristan albatrosses both down-listed from Critically been achieved through significant and support from the UK. IUCN Red List criteria, and the and Gough buntings. threats facing these two species, The down-listing means that all it is highly likely that they will of the Critically Endangered birds always remain listed as Vulnerable in the UK Overseas Territories Gavin Ellick Gavin Alistair Homer Monitoring illegal bird trapping in Cyprus
Bird trapping on the island of To assess the levels and trends The highest level of trapping Cyprus, using mist nets and of trapping activity across Cyprus, activity in recent years has limesticks (long sticks covered monitoring has been ongoing been at Cape Pyla, within the in sticky glue), has been illegal since autumn 2002. BirdLife SBA, in extensive patches of since 1974, but the practice Cyprus runs the monitoring acacia that have been illegally continues within the Republic programme and carries out planted over the past 20 years of Cyprus – including in the UK systematic searches for active in order to attract birds for Sovereign Base Area (SBA), and prepared mist net rides. trapping. There has recently St Helena plovers are endemic to the island Montserrat orioles are endemic to the island a UK Overseas Territory. They search in a stratified random been a concerted effort by of St Helena in the South Atlantic. of Montserrat in the Caribbean. selection of 1km squares from the SBA administration to The targets of this trapping are the core trapping areas, every remove the acacia from The species’ numbers have steadily This population will always fluctuate because a range of migrant passerines, spring and autumn. The highest the area, which has been increased since 2006 as a result of: the species’ breeding success is influenced particularly blackcaps, which levels of trapping activity are declared a Special Area • successful control of invasive by rainfall and the uncertainty of an active are traditionally served as during autumn, and despite of Conservation (SAC) non-native species; volcano on the island. But improved survey “ambelopoulia” delicacies (grilled, variations over the years, for its important native • improved habitat management; efforts in the Centre Hills area of Montserrat pickled or boiled songbirds) – autumn levels are considered coastal vegetation. • effective mitigation efforts to counter indicate the population has been stable although over 150 species are similar to when monitoring any negative consequences of an or increasing mildly since 2010, and there known to have been illegally began in 2002. BirdLife Cyprus, with support airport construction project. has been a reduction in volcanic activity caught in traps. from the RSPB, continues to in recent years More information is available campaign against this illegal Much of this illegal trade is now in the trapping reports on activity within Cyprus and raise Protection of the existing forest will be conducted by organised criminals the BirdLife Cyprus website: awareness of it, particularly required to keep extinction risk low. to supply restaurants that sell birdlifecyprus.org/en/html-36- with schoolchildren. ambelopoulia at high prices, but Trapping_Reports.html also for domestic consumption.
40 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 41 Alamy Birds in the UK Overseas Territories
Update on Henderson petrels
Following the unsuccessful An expedition in 2015 studied the in raising a chick, a higher success attempt to remove introduced breeding biology of the endemic rate than the 12.5% reported from invasive rats from Henderson Henderson petrel in more detail 1991. The number of detected Island in 2011, research has than ever before. Henderson Island nests along 8.9 km of paths was now focused on increasing the is so remote that the only previous extrapolated to estimate that understanding of rat ecology on population estimate (about there were around 20,000 pairs, the island. Henderson, one of 18,700 pairs) was derived from an assuming that the birds nest the remote Pitcairn Islands, is expedition in 1991. at uniform density across the the largest tropical or sub-tropical entire island. island where rat eradication has In total, 25 nests were found in been attempted. 2015. Of these, 40% succeeded Differences in survey effort render it difficult to compare the estimates from 1991 and 2015 directly, and variation in nesting success from year to year needs to be considered when assessing the status of the population. But the new estimate does provide some reassurance that the RSPB (rspb-images.com) RSPB species is unlikely to go extinct within the next decade. There is currently no evidence that the population of Henderson petrels has deteriorated since it was listed as Endangered by the IUCN. These results give us more time to understand rodent ecology and ultimately improve eradication operations – and so save more species vulnerable to rats – on Endangered Henderson petrels are vulnerable to invasive rats. tropical islands in the future.
First robust population estimates of Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses
One of the smallest albatross robust population estimates of the images, and examining areas species in the world, the breeding colonies. of suitable habitat, we estimate endangered Atlantic yellow- that the current population of nosed albatross, only breeds Historically, the main island of Tristan da Cunha is around 15,000 on the islands of Tristan da Cunha Tristan da Cunha has been the pairs (9,300–24,000 pairs). This in the South Atlantic. Tracking species’ stronghold but the only estimate is being complemented studies show that they forage right estimate of its population (16,000- by an updated population across the South Atlantic Ocean, 30,000 breeding pairs) dates from estimate from Gough Island, where sadly they are sometimes 1974, and was based on general where the previous estimate of accidentally caught as bycatch impressions only. 5,100 pairs dates from 2001. There are around 15,000 in fisheries. In partnership with the Tristan da Robust population estimates help The Albatross Task Force, which Cunha Conservation Department us to understand the population pairs of Atlantic yellow-nosed the RSPB leads on behalf of and the Percy FitzPatrick Institute trend of this globally- threatened BirdLife International, is working of African Ornithology, the RSPB species, enabling us to monitor with fishermen to reduce albatross conducted a survey by helicopter the effectiveness of our actions albatrosses in Tristan da bycatch in this area. Monitoring the in September 2015. By merging to reduce bycatch of these success of these efforts requires more than 600 photographic beautiful birds at sea. Cunha – the birds’ stronghold.
42 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 43 Andy Hay (rspb-images.com) Current and planned surveys
The information summarised in The state of the UK’s birds 2016 is drawn from the annual and periodic monitoring programmes described below, and from the work of individual ornithologists. Anyone interested in taking part in these surveys should contact the relevant organisations at the addresses given on page 47. Golden plover
The Breeding Bird Survey The Wetland Bird Survey specialists, across the UK. Co-ordinated by JNCC, it is a BirdTrack is a year-round bird bird ringers collect data on the (BBS) is the monitoring scheme (WeBS) is a partnership between Contact the BTO. partnership between the statutory recording system run by the survival, productivity, movements for common and widespread the BTO, the RSPB and the bto.org/wbbs nature conservation agencies, BTO in partnership with the and condition of birds. Project breeding land birds throughout JNCC (the latter on behalf of the @_BTO and research and conservation RSPB, BirdWatch Ireland, the ringing (such as the Constant the UK. It aims to provide data statutory nature conservation organisations. Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and Effort Sites Scheme, the Ringing on population trends to inform bodies: DAERA, NE, NRW and The Goose & Swan Monitoring Contact the JNCC. the Welsh Ornithological Society. Adults for Survival project, and and direct conservation action. SNH) and in association with the Programme (GSMP) is a suite of jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-1550 The collection of species list data other targeted ringing) forms an It is a partnership between the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). surveys (funded under the WWT, @JNCC_UK from a large number of observers important part of the Scheme. British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), Contact the BTO. JNCC and SNH partnership), helps a range of national research Contact the BTO. the Joint Nature Conservation bto.org/webs designed to accurately assess the The Big Garden Birdwatch is and monitoring objectives. bto.org/ringing Committee (JNCC) (on behalf of @WeBS_UK abundance and breeding success the largest wildlife survey in the Contact the BTO. @_BTO the Department of Agriculture, of the UK’s native geese and world. Its simple design (one hour birdtrack.net Environment and Rural Affairs, The Waterways Breeding Bird migratory swans during the watching birds in your garden @BirdTrack The BTO Nest Record Scheme Northern Ireland (DAERA), Natural Survey (WBBS) has been non-breeding season. or local park over one weekend (NRS) gathers vital information England (NE), Natural Resources running since 1998. This Contact the WWT. in January) means around half Gap-filling in 2017 for the on the breeding success of the Wales (NRW), Scottish Natural scheme, and its predecessor the monitoring.wwt.org.uk/our- a million people take part every European Breeding Bird UK’s birds by asking volunteer Heritage (SNH)) and the RSPB. Waterways Bird Survey (WBS) work/goose-swan-monitoring- year. The data provide an excellent Atlas (EBBA2) is aimed at nest recorders to find and follow Contact the BTO. that ran from 1974 to 2007, aims programme/ snapshot of garden bird numbers collecting up-to-date evidence the progress of individual birds’ bto.org/bbs to monitor riverside breeding @WWTconservation across the UK. of breeding for all Britain and nests. The scheme is funded by @BBS birds birds, particularly waterway Contact the RSPB. Ireland bird species, to provide a partnership of the BTO and the The Heronries Census collects rspb.org.uk/birdwatch contributions to this major JNCC (on behalf of DAERA, NE, counts of apparently occupied @RSPBScience European Bird Census Committee NRW and SNH). nests each year, from as many (EBCC) project involving Contact the BTO. heronries as possible throughout Garden BirdWatch (GBW) is bird NGOs across Europe. bto.org/nrs the UK. It also aims to monitor a year-round scheme recording Contributors should use BirdTrack @_BTO populations of colonial waterbirds, the weekly occurrence and to submit data with Atlas breeding especially grey herons, little numbers of birds in participants’ evidence codes. A programme of UK-wide egrets and cormorants gardens. The data collected Contact the BTO. surveys of priority breeding Contact the BTO. provide valuable information on bto.org/ebba2 species are conducted under the Jodie Randall (rspb-images.com) Randall Jodie bto.org/heronries-census annual and seasonal changes @_BTO Statutory Conservation Agencies @_BTO in bird use of rural and urban and RSPB Breeding Bird Scheme habitats. These can be related The Ringing Scheme is run (SCARABBS) Programme. The Seabird Monitoring to population trends in the by the BTO and covers Britain Hen harriers, capercaillie Programme (SMP) gathers wider countryside. and Ireland. It is funded by a and cirl buntings were information on breeding Contact the BTO. partnership of the BTO, the JNCC surveyed in 2016. numbers, breeding success and bto.org/gbw (on behalf of DAERA, NE, NRW Contact the RSPB. other parameters to help us @BTO_GBW and SNH), the National Parks and rspb.org.uk/surveys understand drivers of change and Wildlife Service (Ireland) and the @RSPBScience Little egret to target conservation action. ringers themselves. Volunteer
44 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 45 Acknowledgements Who we are The state of the UK’s birds 2016 is also available online on the websites Monitoring of birds in the UK and the Overseas Territories, such as of the BTO, the RSPB and WWT (see addresses below). that covered in this report, involves a broad partnership of government agencies, NGOs, sponsors and independent ornithologists, including: Designed and published by the RSPB on behalf of:
Agreement on the Conservation Union Life Programme, Forestry Seabird Group, Shetland Oil The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Natural England (NE) Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) of Albatrosses and Petrels, Commission, Forest Enterprise, Terminal Environmental Advisory Anglian Water, BirdLife Cyprus, Game & Wildlife Conservation Group, Teignbridge District The Nunnery 4th Floor, Foss House Slimbridge Kings Pool BirdLife International, BirdWatch Trust, Greenland White-fronted Council, Tristan da Cunha Thetford Gloucestershire Norfolk 1-2 Peasholme Green GL2 7BT Ireland, British Birds, British Goose Study, Irish Brent Goose Conservation Department, IP24 2PU York Tel: 01453 891900 Trust for Ornithology, British Research Group, Joint Nature University of Cambridge, Tel: 01842 750050 YO1 7PX Waterways, Centre for Ecology Conservation Committee, Manx University of Oxford, Wales Tel: 0300 060 1911 monitoring.wwt.org.uk & Hydrology, Cyprus Sovereign BirdLife, Ministry of Defence, Raptor Study Group, Welsh BTO Scotland @WWTconservation gov.uk/government/organisations/ Base Area Administration, Montserrat National Trust, Ornithological Society, the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences natural-england Registered charity no. 1030884 Darwin Plus Initiative, the David National Trust, National Trust for Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Cottrell Building, University of Stirling @NaturalEngland in England and Wales, SC039410 & Lucile Packard Foundation, Scotland, Natural England, Natural and the Wildlife Trusts. Stirling in Scotland. Department of Agriculture, Resources Wales, Northern FK9 4LA Natural Resources Wales (NRW) Environment and Rural Affairs, England Raptor Forum, Paignton In particular, we thank the Tel: 01786 466560 The Royal Society for the Protection T≈ Cambria Northern Ireland, Department Zoo and Environmental Park, thousands of volunteers who of Birds (RSPB) BTO Wales 29 Newport Road for Environment, Food and the Percy FitzPatrick Institute have contributed their time, Thoday Building Cardiff UK Headquarters Rural Affairs, Department of the of African Ornithology, Raptor passion and expertise to the Deiniol Road CF24 0TP The Lodge Environment of the Government Study Groups, Rare Breeding monitoring programmes and Bangor Tel: 0300 065 3000 Sandy of Montserrat, Department Birds Panel, the Royal Society surveys included in this report. Gwynedd Bedfordshire naturalresources.wales of Natural Resources of for the Protection of Birds, We also thank the landowners LL57 2UW SG19 2DL Tel: 01248 383285 @NatResWales Tel: 01767 680551 the Pitcairn Islands Government, Scottish Executive Rural Affairs and their agents, tenants and Devon Birds, Devon County Department, Scottish Natural employees who have allowed BTO Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, RSPB Northern Ireland Council, Environment Agency, Heritage, Scottish Ornithologists’ surveyors to visit their land to [email protected] Environment and Rural Affairs, Headquarters Environment Wales, European Club, St Helena National Trust, count and monitor birds. Northern Ireland (DAERA) Belvoir Park Forest Bird Census Council, European Scottish Raptor Study Group, bto.org Belfast @_BTO Klondyke Building BT8 7QT Cromac Avenue Tel: 028 9049 1547 Registered charity no 216652 Gasworks Business Park in England & Wales; SC039193 Lower Ormeau Road RSPB Scotland Headquarters in Scotland. Belfast 2 Lochside View BT7 2JA Edinburgh Park Joint Nature Conservation Tel: 0300 200 7856 Edinburgh Committee (JNCC) EH12 9DH daera-ni.gov.uk Tel: 0131 317 4100 Monkstone House Y @nieaevents @daera_ni City Road RSPB Wales Headquarters Peterborough Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) 2nd Floor, Sutherland House PE1 1JY Castlebridge Tel: 01733 562626 Great Glen House Cowbridge Road East Leachkin Road Cardiff jncc.defra.gov.uk Inverness CF11 9AB @JNCC_UK IV3 8NW Tel: 029 2035 3000 Tel: 01463 725000 Pink-footed geese by David Tipling (rspb-images.com) David geese by Pink-footed rspb.org.uk snh.gov.uk @RSPBScience @SNH_Tweets @Natures_Voice
The RSPB is a registered charity in England & Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654.
46 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 The state of the UK’s birds 2016 47 Pantones CMYK
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Front cover image: golden eagle by Mark Sisson (rspb-images.com)
The state of the UK’s birds 2016 report was produced by the RSPB, a registered charity in England and Wales 207076, in Scotland SC037654. 220-1220-16-17