Topic analysis

Migratory bird numbers fall in Britain despite last year’s warm spring

Despite the UK’s warm, dry 2025 spring, migratory bird numbers—particularly warbler species—fell significantly according to data from the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), with only chiffchaffs showing a population rise. The BTO’s breeding bird survey also noted declines in collared and turtle doves while woodpigeon and stock dove numbers increased, with habitat loss and climate crisis-related extreme weather cited as potential contributing factors alongside annual conditions.