Greenfinch destined for UK Red List?

21/12/2017

The 20th annual BirdTrends report from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) has been published, notably highlighting the rapid and alarming decline of Greenfinch.

Though still a familiar garden bird, Greenfinch has declined by 59 per cent in the UK in just 10 years, prompting concerns for its status. The species was not classified as of conservation concern when the UK's list was last updated in 2015 but, should the current rate of decline continue, it could be moved straight to the Red List in the next update. The decline is caused by a widespread and severe outbreak of a disease called trichomonosis, which was first noted affecting bird populations in 2006.

In contrast, one species that is doing particularly well is Common Chiffchaff, which is continuing to increase its breeding range and population. Record numbers of this small Phylloscopus warbler were caught by bird ringers on their constant effort ringing sites. Once a very rare sight during the colder months, this species is benefiting from milder winters and can increasingly be seen on sunny days in sheltered locations throughout Britain, particularly in the milder coastal areas and around inland waterbodies.

The BirdTrends report covers 120 of Britain's commonest and most widespread birds, from Mute Swan to Corn Bunting, and it makes for interesting reading. The data covered in the report were gathered by thousands of volunteer citizen scientists, who each year record the birds on their patch to track how well they are doing.

Some count the birds they record on two early morning survey visits. The Breeding Bird Survey covers all habitats and volunteers are allocated a nearby square from a pre-selected list. Volunteer Alan Gomersall was initially disappointed not to get a square in the countryside but, after 20 years of recording in a Bedfordshire housing estate, said: "I am glad I continued, I have found a surprising number of different species over the years and it has been fascinating to see the changes; in 2003 I counted 50 Greenfinches, this year they were down to just five."

To access the report, please visit www.bto.org/about-birds/birdtrends/2017.