Northern bird found to be more resilient to winter weather

Date: June 29, 2016

Source: University of East Anglia

One of the UK's most widespread songbirds, the Wren, varies in its resilience to winter weather depending on where it lives in Britain -- according to new research from the University of East Anglia and the British Trust for Ornithology.

Findings published today in the Royal Society journal Open Science reveal that Scottish Wrens are larger than those living in southern Britain, and more resilient to hard winter frosts.

Populations of small birds may decline following periods of cold winter weather, something that is probably linked to low temperatures and difficulties in finding sufficient insect prey.

Researchers at the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and UEA's School of Biology studied one of the UK's smallest songbirds, the Wren.

They found that populations inhabiting regions where winters are more severe show some form of adaptation.

Continued ...

It's that bird off the news! BBC studio invaded by tiny WREN that perches behind presenter (and yes, she tweeted about it later)

An inquisitive bird hit the headlines when it flew into a busy TV studio and perched itself - next to a newsreader.

Regional BBC presenter Alison Johns was in the middle of a live breakfast bulletin when the feathered visitor landed on a monitor just behind her.

The bird, believed to be a wren, remained in shot for several seconds before Ms Johns handed over to the weather forecast.

The TV anchor had no idea it was right behind her but as soon as she was off air staff captured the creature and carefully released it into the wild.

Ms Johns, a reporter and presenter for West Country-based BBC Spotlight, tweeted a still of the bird afterwards, saying: 'Unexpected guest with me in @BBCSpotlight studio this morning!'

Continued