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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rebecca Speare-Cole

The bird species that has seen an 85.1 per cent decline since 1979

  • The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch has revealed significant long-term declines in the UK's starling and greenfinch populations.
  • Starlings have reached record low numbers for the second consecutive year, showing an 85.1 per cent reduction since the survey began in 1979.
  • Greenfinch populations remain two-thirds lower than 1979 levels, with their decline largely attributed to diseases like trichomonosis, which spreads at bird feeders.
  • The RSPB is urging households to adjust their bird feeding practices, recommending seasonal feeding, regular cleaning of feeders, and avoiding flat-surfaced feeders to mitigate disease transmission.
  • Over 650,000 people participated in this year's birdwatch, which also noted a surge in migratory species like redwing and fieldfare.

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