The UK’s starling population has reached an unprecedented low, with the bird species dropping to a record low in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch survey. With only 2.3 starlings per garden on average, this decline is part of a larger trend of wild bird numbers plummeting in the UK due to habitat loss and climate change.
The average number of starlings in each garden dropped from 2.4 to 2.3, the lowest figure recorded for the bird since the annual survey started in ‘1979‘.
The Decline of a Beloved Bird Species
Birds such as sparrows and blue tits remained top of the chart, but starlings fell to fourth for the first time since the survey began. This decline is part of a larger trend of wild bird numbers plummeting in the UK due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate breakdown, and ‘bird flu‘.
Key Statistics
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An average of 3.5 sparrows were seen in each garden this year, down from 4.0 last year.
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The number of blue tits decreased from 3.04 to 2.77.
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Starlings fell from 2.44 to 2.30.
The global sparrow population is estimated to be around 1.5 billion individuals, with the majority found in Asia and Europe.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) , some species of sparrows are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation, while others are stable or increasing.
The house sparrow , for example, has adapted well to urban environments and its population is often considered a success story.
However, other species like the Eurasian tree sparrow face significant threats from climate change and human activities.
What Can You Do to Help?
The RSPB is urging people to support threatened birds by taking small actions that can benefit starlings and other garden wildlife. These include:
Conservation efforts are underway globally to protect endangered species, preserve ecosystems, and combat climate change.
Organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) work with governments and local communities to implement sustainable practices.
According to a report by the IUCN, over 28,000 plant and animal species are threatened with extinction.
In response, conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and eco-tourism initiatives.
- Keeping lawns natural with wildflower pollinators, such as ‘dandelion’ and ‘clover’
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Allowing short grass to grow, which allows starlings to watch out for predators while feeding
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Putting up nest boxes with a 45mm (1.7in) entrance hole
Starlings are highly social birds known for their complex behaviors.
They live in large flocks, often with a dominant bird leading the group.
During migration, starlings form massive groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands.
These birds have been observed engaging in synchronized flight patterns, creating mesmerizing displays of aerial acrobatics.
Researchers have also noted that starlings exhibit intelligent problem-solving skills, using tools to obtain food and water.
By making these changes, individuals can contribute to the conservation of bird species like the starling.
The Impact of Human Activity on Bird Populations
The decline of bird populations in the UK is a pressing concern. Since the ‘1970s’, some species have experienced dramatic declines in abundance, including:
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Sparrows: down 54% since the survey started
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Starlings: down 84%
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Greenfinches: down 67.9%
It’s essential to understand the causes of this decline and take action to mitigate its effects.
Supporting Biodiversity
The RSPB’s chief executive, Beccy Speight, said: ‘With one in six species at risk of extinction [in] Great Britain, we’ve done more damage to our natural world than we realise. However, we can all do our bit to support these threatened birds by taking small actions that can not only benefit starlings, but a wealth of other garden wildlife.’
By working together, individuals can make a difference in the conservation of bird species and the health of our environment.
- theguardian.com | Starlings fall to record low in UK’s 2025 Big Garden Birdwatch
