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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd June 2023
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Cuckoos can’t adjust migratory patterns, study shows
Cuckoos are unable to adapt their migration patterns.
The research shows that a vital feeding opportunity leaves the birds out of sync.

A new study has discovered that cuckoos are unable to adapt to changes caused by climate change, which could threaten their survival.

The study, from British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), showed that cuckoos are unable to adapt their migration patterns in line with the earlier arrival of spring in Europe, which has left the cuckoo out of sync with the peak availability of their invertebrate prey and the breeding ecology of their host species.

While most other species of bird that spend the winter in sub-Saharan Africa but breed in Europe have adjusted migratory patterns for the earlier arrival of spring, it has previously been unclear why cuckoos have been not adapted their migration in the same way.

However the latest data, collected from 87 cuckoos that have been tagged since 2011, shows that cuckoos must wait for the arrival of west African spring rains, the annual timing of which has remained constant, before they can cross the Saharan desert to reach Europe.

The west African rainfall is vital to the cuckoos migration, attracting enough invertebrate prey for the cuckoos to fatten up before they begin their long journey across the Sahara.

Now the earlier arrival of spring is exposing cuckoos to a greater risk of death, as they race to return to their breeding grounds in time.

Scientists believe that providing habitats at strategic locations along the migration route might help the birds complete the journey in a more timely and energy efficient way.

Dr Chris Hewson, BTO Cuckoo Tracking Project lead scientist, said: “It’s fantastic to have this new insight into what determines the spring arrival of our cuckoos, 12 years after the tracking project first allowed us to follow their return from central Africa. Many other species are thought to be able to bring forward their arrival by adjusting their internal clocks to leave their wintering grounds sooner – but this doesn’t appear to be an option for the UK cuckoo population.

"Understanding why these are not arriving back earlier – and the possible costs that individual cuckoos pay for trying to do so – will help us to best direct efforts of flyway restoration that may allow them to make their migrations in a more timely and successful fashion.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.