Big Garden Birdwatch

Results fromThe RSPB, UK Headquarters

The information recorded helps the RSPB to prioritise its conservation work. The declines that we see over time highlight which birds need our help.

Surprise in the top ten 2009

For the first time in the survey's 30-year history, the long-tailed tit has flown into the Big Garden Birdwatch top ten. This highly sociable species increased by an astonishing 88% from last years count. We believe this pleasant increase is because this insect-eating bird has adapted to feeding on seeds and peanuts at birdtables and from hanging feeders. This result highlights perfectly the positive impact that our feeding and bird care can have on some birds.

Record-breaking celebration

Not content with putting a new bird in the top ten, 2009 has also seen a record-breaking number of you counting the birds in your garden. Well over half a million people celebrated the 30th year of the Birdwatch with us, making this the biggest bird survey in the world. A huge increase from humble beginnings in 1979 when just 30,000 children took part. Thanks to everyone that took part.

Birds on the up (and down)

The results show that the average numbers of all but one of the top ten birds have increased slightly since last year. Only starling numbers dropped, although they retained the number two slot. After putting in a strong performance last year, and appearing in the top ten for the first time, goldfinches dropped out of the top ten rankings last year. However, this isn't as bad as it sounds - along with greenfinches, who also slipped a place this year, both species have actually been steadily increasing in numbers in recent years. Others have fared even better, and our 30-year data shows an increase of 825% for the wood pigeon and 414% for the collared dove. Unfortunately, the longer term picture of some of the UK's most loved species is not so rosy. Many have suffered huge declines in the last three decades. The house sparrow, despite retaining its top spot for the 6th year running, has declined by 63% since the survey began in 1979, and the starling has dropped by 79%. And the yellow siskin, which made it into the top 20 for the first time in the survey's history last year, and who was a striking addition to many people's gardens, dropped back to number 26.

Creating the perfect habitat

Gardens are an excellent habitat for birds. As more and more people realise the importance of feeding and gardening for wildlife, we are seeing a stunning array of birds on our tables and feeders. Many of the birds that we're seeing will visit any habitat that provides food. Gardens will actually become even more important for wildlife if some areas of the countryside become poorer sources of food. This year's survey took place on a chilly weekend and garden birds are heavily reliant on our supplementary feeding in the cold. It seems we were suitably paid back for our efforts.

Here's how the UK's top 10 garden birds stand in 2009:

1. House sparrow

There were an average of 3.70 sparrows per garden. Although they stay at the top of the table, house sparrow numbers have fallen by 63% since 1979.

2. Starling

An average of 3.21 starlings were seen per garden and they have suffered a decline of 79% since 1979. Starlings are noisy characters usually seen foraging in small flocks.

3. Blackbird

An average of 2.84 seen per garden, the blackbird is a non-mover from 2008.

4. Blue tit

Blue tits are another non-mover from 2008, with an average of 2.45 seen per garden. An agile bird, blue tits are most often seen flitting onto bird feeders. In winter, family flocks are joined by great tits, long-tailed tits and other woodland species, as they search for food.

5. Chaffinch

With an average of 2.01 per garden, the chaffinch held its 5th position. Since 1979, numbers have fallen by 33%.

6. Woodpigeon

An average of 1.85 seen per garden, the woodpigeon continues its success in the UK. It's increased by 825% since 1979. The largest of the pigeon family. In flight they have distinctive white wing patches and the tail has a dark band at the end.

7. Collared dove

With an average of 1.44 seen per garden, the collared dove continues to increase in numbers with a rise of 414% since 1979. Collared doves originally came from southern Asia and spread from there to the extreme south-east of Europe. They were first recorded in Britain in 1953 and have since become a common garden bird throughout Great Britain and Ireland.

8. Great tit

Great tits are another species continuing to enjoy an increase in numbers with a 56% increase since 1979, and an average of 1.40 seen per garden this year. Great tits feed on seeds and scraps either left on the ground, or on bird tables and in nut feeders.

9. Robin

An average of 1.36 per garden robins have dropped one place from last year. Robins are the only garden birds to sing throughout the winter, with both males and females holding winter territories.

10. Long-tailed tit

And sneaking in at number 10 is the long tailed tit with an average of 1.34 seen per garden.

2009 COUNTY RESULTS

Merseyside

	Species	Mean per garden
1	Starling	2.74
2	Blackbird	2.67
3	House Sparrow	2.60
4	Blue Tit	1.99
5	Woodpigeon	1.76
6	Goldfinch	1.54
7	Collared Dove	1.48
8	Robin	1.18
9	Magpie	1.16
10	Great Tit	1.08

Lancashire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	Starling	4.77
2	House Sparrow	3.50
3	Blackbird	2.77
4	Blue tit	2.25
.5	Collared Dove	1.60
6	Chaffinch	1.57
7	Long-tailed tit	1..41
8	Goldfinch	1.30
9	Great Tit	1.26
10	Robin	1.25

Cheshire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	House Sparrow	3.84
2	Blackbird	2.89
3	Starling	2.77
4	Blue tit	2.28
5	Long-tailed Tit	1.83
6	Chaffinch	1.72
7	Woodpigeon	1.66
8	Goldfinch	1.41
9	Great Tit	1.39
10	Robin	1.39

Who were the biggest movers in 2008?

Finches flock to gardens

With an average of 3.60 seen per garden, the house sparrow retained its top spot with starlings coming in second and blackbirds completing the top three.Overall, the average number of birds seen in each garden has declined by a fifth since 2004, and house sparrows have decreased by almost two thirds since 1979, and starlings by three quarters over the same period.Despite this, however, four species of finch, which spend the winter in the UK, were seen in increased numbers.

Good winter for finches

Numbers of colourful finches visiting UK gardens over winter are at their highest levels for five years.For the first time in the survey's 29-year history, the striking siskin made it into the top 20, and the scarcer brambling moved from 57 to 36 in the rankings.This increase in bramblings and siskins (up by two thirds in the last five years), suggest that tree seed supplies have been poor this year and they've been forced into gardens to find food.Along with siskin and brambling increases, redpoll numbers skyrocketed, being seen in twice as many gardens this year as last. Again this is probably due to poor supply of food.

Goldfinches on the up

With a third more birds recorded than in 2004, the colourful goldfinch made it in to the top 10 for the first time.Goldfinch numbers swell because our milder winters encourage them to stay here instead of going to southern Europe.Our gardens can be very welcoming to finches, especially those with nyjer seed provided and thistles and teasels left to grow which also provide food.

Here's how the UK's top 10 garden birds stand in 2008:

1. House sparrow

There were an average of 3.60 sparrows per garden. Although they stay at the top of the table, house sparrow numbers have fallen by 64% since 1979.

2. Starling

An average of 3.44 starlings per garden and a decline of 77% since 1979. Starlings are noisy characters usually seen foraging in small flocks.

3. Blackbird

An average of 2.45 per garden, the blackbird moves up one place from last year

4. Blue Tit

Blue tits dropped one place this year with an average of 2.29 per garden. A decrease of 6% since 1979. An agile bird, the blue tit is most often seen flitting onto bird feeders. In winter, family flocks of blue tits are joined by great tits, long-tailed tits and other woodland species, as they search for food.

5. Chaffinch

With an average of 2.15 per garden, the chaffinch held its 5th position. Since 1979, numbers have fallen by 28%

6. Woodpigeon

An average of 1.53 per garden, the woodpigeon continues its success in the UK. It's increased by 665% since 1979. They are the largest of the pigeon family. In flight they have distinctive white wing patches and the tail has a dark band at the end.

7. Collared dove

An average of 1.43 per garden, the collared dove drops a place from last year but has still enjoyed an increase of 411% since 1979. Collared doves originally came from southern Asia and spread from there to the extreme south-east of Europe. They were first recorded in Britain in 1953 and have since become a common garden bird throughout Great Britain and Ireland.

8. Robin

An average of 1.26 per garden robins have climbed one place from last year, but we've still seen a decline of 37% since 1979. Robins are the only garden birds to sing throughout the winter, with both males and females holding winter territories.

9. Great tit

Great tits enjoyed an increase in numbers of 39% since 1979, with an average of 1.25 seen per garden. Great tits feed on seeds and scraps either left on the ground, or on bird tables and in nut feeders.

10. Goldfinch

The biggest mover from 2007, an average of 1.16 goldfinches were recorded in gardens this year.

2008 COUNTY RESULTS

Merseyside

	Species	Mean per garden
1	Goldfinch	1.64
2	Starling	1.34
3	House Sparrow	1.10
4	Blackbird	0.92
5	Blue Tit	0.71
6	Feral pigeon	0.69
7	Collared Dove	0.67
8	Woodpigeon	0.55
9	Long-tailed tit	0.48
10	Robin	0.43

Lancashire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	Starling	3.75
2	House Sparrow	2.25
3	Blackbird	1.50
4	Blue tit	1.45
5	Goldfinch	1.36
6	Long-tailed tit	1.04
7	Collared Dove	0.97
8	Chaffinch	0.95
9	Great Tit	0.76
10	Robin	0.74

Cheshire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	House Sparrow	2.92
2	Starling	2.43
3	Blackbird	1.93
4	Blue tit	1.68
5	Chaffinch	1.27
6	Goldfinch	1.23
7	Woodpigeon	1.14
8	Long-tailed Tit	1.10
9	Collared Dove	0.99
10	Great Tit	0.95

Who were the biggest movers in 2007?

The RSPB believes milder winter temperatures across Europe and bumper fruit crops in hedgerows and woodlands contributed to more birds feeding in the countryside and fewer visiting UK gardens during the winter.

The RSPB's 2007 Big Garden Birdwatch results show smaller numbers of several songbirds in gardens, most notably those whose winter numbers are usually swelled by seasonal migrants from the continent; So you'll see the blackbird down to fourth from third.

Here's how the UK's top 10 garden birds stand:

1. House sparrow

There were an average of 4.4 sparrows per garden. Although they stay at the top of the table, house sparrow numbers have fallen by 56% since 1979.

2. Starling

An average of 3.67 starlings per garden and a decline of 76% since 1979. Starlings are noisy characters usually seen foraging in small flocks. This winter, fewer migrant starlings joined our resident birds from northern Europe because of the milder weather.

3. Blue tit

Blue tits continue to do well, with an average of 2.82 per garden (up from 2.7 last year) and an increase of 16% since 1979. An agile bird, the blue tit is most often seen flitting onto bird feeders. In winter, family flocks of blue tits are joined by great tits, long-tailed tits and other woodland species, as they search for food.

4. Blackbird

An average of 2.26 per garden, the blackbird dropped down one place from last year. This winter, with above-average temperatures, meant that fewer blackbirds migrated to the UK from northern Europe, and this may explain the drop in numbers this year.

5. Chaffinch

With an average of 1.9 per garden, the chaffinch held its 5th position, but numbers were slightly down on last year. Since 1979, numbers have fallen by 36%.

6. Collared dove

An average of 1.56 per garden and an increase of 456% since 1979. Collared doves originally came from southern Asia and spread from there to the extreme south-east of Europe. They were first recorded in Britain in 1953 and since have become a common garden bird throughout Great Britain and Ireland.

7. Woodpigeon

An average of 1.53 per garden, the woodpigeon continues its success in the UK. It's increased by 666% since 1979. Woodpigeons moved up from number 8 in 2006. They are the largest of the pigeon family. In flight they have distinctive white wing patches and the tail has a dark band at the end.

8. Great tit

An average of 1.37 per garden and an increase of 52% since 1979. The great tit saw a slight drop in 2007, perhaps milder weather has meant there are better natural food sources available and kept them away from garden feeders.

9. Robin

An average of 1.26 per garden and a decline of 37% since 1979. Robins are the only garden birds to sing throughout the winter, with both males and females holding winter territories. In winter, some robins migrate from Europe to the UK, and the mild European winter could explain why there were fewer seen in 2007 than in 2006.

10. Greenfinch

The biggest mover in 2007, the average garden recorded 1.2 greenfinches, compared to 1.7 per garden in 2006. This species is still up 21% since 1979. Perhaps milder weather meant there are better natural food sources available and kept them away from garden feeders.

2007 COUNTY RESULTS

Merseyside

	Species	Mean per garden
1	starling	3.72
2	house sparrow	3.37
3	blue tit	2.47
4	blackbird	2.44
5	collared dove	1.59
6	woodpigeon	1.46
7	greenfinch	1.34
8	goldfinch	1.34
9	magpie	1.32
10	great tit	1.16
11	robin	1.12
12	feral pigeon	0.97
13	chaffinch	0.90
14	dunnock	0.83
15	coal tit	0.52

Lancashire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	starling	4.80
2	house sparrow	3.96
3	blue tit	2.75
4	blackbird	2.53
5	collared dove	1.84
6	chaffinch	1.52
7	great tit	1.24
8	goldfinch	1.23
9	robin	1.20
10	greenfinch	1.18
11	magpie	1.13
12	dunnock	0.92
13	woodpigeon	0.79
14	long-tailed tit	0.78
15	coal tit	0.62

Cheshire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	house sparrow	4.44
2	blue tit	2.85
3	starling	2.63
4	blackbird	2.43
5	chaffinch	1.57
6	woodpigeon	1.49
7	collared dove	1.42
8	great tit	1.38
9	goldfinch	1.36
10	robin	1.30
11	greenfinch	1.13
12	magpie	1.07
13	dunnock	1.00
14	long-tailed tit	0.97
15	coal tit	0.66

2006 UK top 20 list

Who were the biggest movers in 2006?

The main changes for 2006 can be explained by the harsh winter in Europe . The numbers of birds that migrate to spend the winter in the UK were higher than last year, so you'll see the blackbird up to third, the chaffinch up to fifth and the song thrush, which dropped out of the top 20 last year, re-entering at number 20.

There was no change at the top of the table with house sparrow remaining at number one, although there was a slight drop in their numbers since last year. Starlings, at number two were seen in half of all gardens. Looking in the longer-term trend, we can still see the house sparrow and starling continue their decline, down by 56 and 76% respectively since 1979.

The most noticeable change was with blackbirds, with numbers up by a quarter, and up one place in the table as a result (blackbirds also remain our most widespread bird, seen in nearly 95% of gardens). Chaffinches, goldfinches and song thrushes also showed big increases since last year.

These species with increasing numbers are generally ones with considerable populations of winter immigrants to the UK. As we know there has been a hard winter on the continent, it is probable that higher than average numbers have migrated across to the UK this year.

It is worth pointing out that although some of these species have been recorded in greater numbers this winter, the long-term trends are down since we started in 1979. Song thrushes are down by 41%, (with blackbirds, chaffinches and robins down by 25%, 25%, and 32%), whereas collared doves have increased by 416% and woodpigeons by 665%.

Some other garden favourites such as blue and great tits, wrens and greenfinches are all doing well (up 12%, 57%, 140% and 67% respectively).

Some more unusual species were also commoner in our gardens this year. For example, the number of siskins was up by 483% from last year, and bramblings were up by 371%.

The information recorded helps the RSPB to prioritise its conservation work. The declines that we see over time highlight which birds need our help.

1. House sparrow

There were an average of 4.4 sparrows per garden. Although they stay at the top of the table, house sparrow numbers fell again this year, increasing their long-term decline to 56% since 1979.

2. Starling

An average of 3.64 starlings per garden and a decline of 76% since 1979. Starlings are noisy characters usually seen foraging in small flocks. In winter, migrant starlings from northern Europe join the resident birds and form huge flocks at regular roosts.

3. Blackbird

An average of 3 per garden and an increase of 24% since last year. In winter, migrant blackbirds from northern Europe join our resident birds, and this harsh European winter may explain the big increase this year.

4. Blue tit

An average of 2.7 per garden and an increase of 12% since 1979. An agile bird, the blue tit is most often seen flitting onto bird feeders. In winter, family flocks of blue tits are joined by great tits, long-tailed tits and other woodland species, as they search for food.

5. Chaffinch

An average of 2 per garden and a 30% increase since 2005. The chaffinch has moved back up to 5th, after dropping to 6th in 2005. In winter, migrant chaffinches from Scandinavia and Northern Europe join our resident birds and the cold weather there this year could explain the large rise in numbers in 2006.

6. Greenfinch

An average of 1.7 per garden and an increase of 67% since 1979. The greenfinch moved down one place in the table this year, to make way for chaffinches, which saw a big increase in numbers.

7. Collared dove

An average of 1.6 per garden and an increase of 416% since 1979. Collared doves originally came from southern Asia and spread from there to the extreme south-east of Europe . They were first recorded in Britain in 1953 and since have become a common garden bird throughout Great Britain and Ireland .

8. Woodpigeon

An average of 1.43 per garden and an increase of 615% since 1979. Woodpigeons moved up from number 9 in 2004. They are the largest of the pigeon family. In flight they have distinctive white wing patches and the tail has a dark band at the end.

9. Great tit

An average of 1.4 per garden and an increase of 57% since 1979. In winter, family flocks of great tits are joined by blue tits, long-tailed tits and other woodland species as they search for food.

10. Robin

An average of 1.4 per garden and a decline of 32% since 1979. Robins are the only garden birds to sing throughout the winter, with both males and females holding winter territories. In winter, some robins migrate from Europe to the UK , and the harsh European winter could explain the 7% increase in bird numbers this year.

11. Dunnock

An average of 1.1 per garden, dunnocks were seen in 53% of gardens surveyed. A small, easily overlooked bird, the dunnock creeps around under bushes in a mouse-like way. Dunnocks are sedentary, rarely moving more than one kilometre from where they hatched.

12. Magpie

With an average of 0.95 per garden magpies increased by nearly 8% since last year. Magpies are intelligent birds and the more adept ones have even learnt to get food from hanging feeders.

13. Goldfinch

An average of 0.87 per garden, the goldfinch moved up one place from 14th in 2005. Goldfinches didn't even feature in the top 20 in 1979. These birds are highly mobile, and travel between feeding sites in small noisy flocks.

14. Long-tailed tit

An average of 0.77 per garden and wasn't in the top 20 in 1979. Often found in small flocks outside of the breeding season, they sometimes visit gardens, and are most likely to be found where there are trees and bushes.

15. Coal tit

An average of 0.65 per garden and coal tits were seen in a third of all gardens surveyed. An active and very agile bird. Often is found in flocks with other small birds feeding in woods and hedgerows, as well as feeders.

16. Feral pigeon

With an average of 0.48 per garden, the feral pigeon wasn't in top 20 list in 1979. Feral pigeons, otherwise known as rock doves, first appeared in the top 20 list last year. In the wild, these birds nest in holes in rock faces or ledges in caves. Urban birds use similar cavities in buildings.

17. Carrion crow

An average of 0.5 per garden, carrion crows were seen in nearly 21% of gardens. These intelligent birds feed on the ground where they move with a walk or a hop.

18. Jackdaw

An average of 0.46 per garden, jackdaw numbers fell by 12.6% from the 2005 survey. Jackdaws are usually seen in pairs or in flocks, these members of the crow family are very aerobatic.

19. Wren

An average of 0.38 per garden and an increase of 140% since 1979. Wrens are very active birds, especially in spring when male wrens will build several nests before the female chooses which one to use.

20. Song thrush

An average of 0.33 per garden and a 50% increase from last year's numbers sees the song thrush rise into the top 20 after dropping out in 2005. Some European song thrushes will spend the winter in the UK , especially if it is cold on the Continent. This could explain this year's rise in song thrush numbers over winter - but sadly the rise doesn't necessarily mean that our resident breeding birds are faring any better.

Some other garden favourites such as blue and great tits, wrens and greenfinches are all doing well (up 12%, 57%, 140% and 67% respectively).

Some more unusual species were also commoner in our gardens this year. For example, the number of siskins was up by 483% from last year, and bramblings were up by 371%.

2006 COUNTY RESULTS

Merseyside

	Species	Mean per garden
1	starling	3.14
2	house sparrow	2.93
3	blackbird	2.83
4	blue tit	2.24
5	collared dove	1.51
6	woodpigeon	1.46
7	greenfinch	1.37
8	goldfinch	1.33
9	robin	1.26
10	magpie	1.26
11	chaffinch	1.11
12	great tit	1.08
13	feral pigeon	0.94
14	dunnock	0.90
15	coal tit	0.60

Lancashire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	starling	4.34
2	house sparrow	3.51
3	blackbird	2.93
4	blue tit	2.53
5	chaffinch	1.83
6	collared dove	1.72
7	greenfinch	1.45
8	robin	1.34
9	great tit	1.24
10	magpie	1.09
11	dunnock	1.04
12	goldfinch	0.88
13	long-tailed tit	0.73
14	woodpigeon	0.68
15	coal tit	0.67

Cheshire

	Species	Mean per garden
1	house sparrow	4.12
2	blackbird	2.92
3	starling	2.87
4	blue tit	2.82
5	chaffinch	2.02
6	great tit	1.63
7	greenfinch	1.50
8	woodpigeon	1.46
9	collared dove	1.45
10	robin	1.43
11	dunnock	1.14
12	magpie	1.08
13	goldfinch	0.96
14	long-tailed tit	0.85
15	coal tit	0.76

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Big Garden Birdwatch - results 2005

The house sparrow took top spot in the 2005 Big Garden Birdwatch - the world's biggest bird survey. Nearly 400,000 people from across the UK spent an hour counting the birds in their garden, over 6 million birds were recorded and 210,000 gardens surveyed. Their records provide a valuable snapshot of the UK's garden birds.

House sparrow numbers have been relatively stable in recent years, although they are still massively down from levels at the beginning of Big Garden Birdwatch 26 years ago. With an average of 4.56 sparrows seen per garden this year, compared to an average of 10 in 1979, the house sparrow has declined by 54%. Until 2003, the starling held the top spot, but after dropping to number 2 last year, the starling continued to decline in 2005, with numbers per garden down almost to a quarter of those recorded in gardens in the first Big Garden Birdwatch survey.

The information recorded helps the RSPB to prioritise its conservation work. The declines that we see over time highlight which birds need our help.

Song thrush drops out.........One change giving concern is the song thrush numbers. After a slight increase in recent years, Song thrush numbers dropped in 2005, and for the first time this red-listed species dropped out of the top 20 garden birds. It held 7th place in 1979.

The most widespread species this year was the blackbird, recorded in 92% of all gardens, with house sparrows and starlings seen in 68 and 53% of gardens respectively. Blue, great, and long-tailed tits all continue to prosper, and since over 70% of the gardens surveyed provided peanuts, this may not be surprising!