Global warming behind bird decline?

Friday 02 June 2006

Climate change could be the reason behind the decline of one of Britain’s least understood birds, according to new research from RSPB Scotland. The Ring Ouzel is being monitored with a radio tracking system in order to determine population movements of the species, which suffered a 60% drop in numbers between 1990 and 1999.

The study links the drop to increases in the UK’s temperature in July and August affecting the species food supplies during critical times.

Dr Colin Beale, who led the research which was published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, commented: "The drop in Ring Ouzel numbers is not caused by reduced nesting success by the birds – in fact this has increased as the population has declined. Instead, it seems that the problems begin after the breeding season when the chicks have fledged. Changes in climate are perhaps affecting what is available for them to eat – most notably earthworms and other likely staples such as bilberries – leaving them in a poor condition to migrate in September. These are the ideas that the new research is set to test."

"The Ring Ouzel is one of the UK’s least studied and most poorly understood birds, which is why our research into the problems it’s experiencing is so vital," added Dr Jeremy Wilson, Head of Research for RSPB Scotland. "We’re now hoping that this tagging project will help us find out more about what these birds feed on, what habitats they use and how far they disperse from their breeding areas before they migrate. The findings could be crucial in helping to manage upland areas better for ouzels – and protect them from the impacts of climate change in the future."

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