RSPB warning over decline in two of UK’s most loved birds

They noted long-term declines in the numbers spotted during the RSPB’s long-running Big Garden Birdwatch citizen science scheme.

Average starling counts per garden fell to a record low for the second year in a row, dropping by another 3% in this year’s birdwatch.

According to the RSPB, starling numbers recorded in the survey have plunged by 85.1% since the scheme began in 1979.

Greenfinches saw a modest 2.3% rise in average counts this year, but the charity said their numbers remain around two-thirds down on 1979 levels.

RSPB scientists warned that these songbirds are among the species vulnerable to diseases that can spread at bird feeders, and are urging households to reconsider when they feed birds, how they do it and what food they put out.

Beccy Speight, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We’re not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds’ long-term health.”

This year, more than 650,000 people took part in the birdwatch, which involves spending an hour counting birds in a garden or local green space during the last weekend in January.

The results can help conservationists gauge how the country’s bird life is faring.

The house sparrow held on to the top spot and the blue tit remained at number two again this year, followed by starling in third, woodpigeon in fourth and blackbird in fifth.

While starlings jumped from fourth to third place for the most commonly spotted species in 2026, it was largely because fewer woodpigeons were reported compared to last year, the RSPB said.

The charismatic birds are found across the UK, with numbers swelling during winter when more of the species arrive from northern Europe, and can be seen in huge numbers performing aerial displays known as “murmurations”.

Before the year 2000, starlings were regularly the most numerous species recorded in the Big Garden Birdwatch.

However, they are now “red-listed” because of concerns over their falling population.

What is causing the decline of birds?

The RSPB said there is a lack of evidence behind what might be driving the decline although a fall in chicks’ survival rates over their first winter could be contributing.

Greenfinches have seen their population particularly devastated by the disease trichomonosis, which spreads more easily when birds gather around feeders in summer and autumn.

The songbird is also on the conservation “red list”, with other UK-wide surveys indicating a loss of more than two million birds since the mid-1990s.

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Ms Speight said: “Feeding birds is something millions of us love and value, but the science shows us that birds such as greenfinches have been affected by the spread of disease at feeders.

“By making small changes together, we can ensure garden feeding continues to be a positive force for nature.”

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