Migratory bird numbers fall in Britain despite last year’s warm spring
Summary
Despite a warm and dry spring and the hottest summer on record in parts of Britain during 2025, numbers of many migratory bird species fell. Data from the British Trust for Ornithology show declines in several warbler species and smaller doves, while some species increased or stayed steady.Key Facts
- Spring 2025 in Britain was very warm and dry; summer was the hottest recorded, especially in England and Wales.
- Eight warbler species migrate to Britain from Africa, but most showed population declines last year.
- Four warbler species (willow warbler, blackcap, garden warbler, common whitethroat) had significant drops.
- Three other warbler species (sedge warbler, reed warbler, lesser whitethroat) also declined but less severely.
- The chiffchaff, which winters closer to Britain, was the only warbler species that increased in number.
- Among pigeons and doves, woodpigeon and stock dove numbers increased, but collared and turtle doves decreased rapidly.
- Bird population changes can be caused by many things, including habitat loss and weather, so careful study is needed.
- The British Trust for Ornithology relies on staff and volunteers to monitor these important bird trends amid climate change.
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