RSPCA warns of ‘perfect storm’ for wild birds
Farmland bird populations have declined by 63 per cent since 1970.
New population statistics have prompted RSPCA to warn of a ‘perfect storm’ for the UK’s wild birds.
This year’s statistics, published by Defra, has revealed that wild bird populations in the UK have declined by 19 per cent since 1970. The breeding bird population indicator had also declined by five per cent between 2020 and 2025.
Farmland birds, such as turtle doves, have been particularly impacted by these factors. Defra reports show that populations have decline by 63 per cent since 1970.
Meanwhile seabird populations, which include the Arctic skua, have declined by 52 per cent since 1986.
The RSPCA warns that disappearing habitats, extreme weather, disturbance and deliberate cruelty could all be contributing to these findings. It says that wild birds are having to navigate increasingly challenging environments.
The charity explains that prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can make it harder for birds to find food and water. Meanwhile increased wildfires have been destroying habitats and nesting sites.
However, alongside environmental challenges, the RSPCA has reported increasing cases of animal cruelty.
In 2025, the charity received 876 reports about cruelty to wild birds. This included incidents involving pigeons, corvids, gulls, swans and ducks.
Throughout July and August alone, it recorded 359 reports involving wild birds – almost twice as many as the 179 received in the same period in 2024. This marks the highest summer total recorded in the past five years.
Dr Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the RSPCA, said: “These figures are a sobering reminder that many of our wild birds are facing a perfect storm of threats, and an increasingly challenging future.”
She added: “It might feel as though the problems facing wildlife are too big for one person to make a difference, but gardens and other green spaces can provide vital refuges for birds, particularly when natural food and water are harder to find.
“By giving birds somewhere safe to feed, drink, shelter and raise their young - as well as giving them space, and reporting incidents of wildlife being subjected to cruelty - we can all play a part in helping them.”
Image © WildlifeWorld/Shutterstock.com
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