Articles
Here you will find a wide range of birding related articles from various organisations, conservation bodies as well as individual accounts of rare bird finds and other interesting articles.
 
Click on the More > link to read the article.
 
RBA Daily News Summaries - Daily summaries of the news on an easy to use, searchable page
 
 
new  Weekly birding round-up: 22 - 28 May   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (29 May 2026)
 
 
new  One of the world's rarest birds produces record number of young   (Conservation News)
Scientists in the Galapagos recorded 25 young Mangrove Finches fledging in 2026, offering new hope for one of the world's rarest birds. More here >
Written by:  (29 May 2026)
 
 
new  Human presence changes how birds use the landscape   (Research)
A major GPS-tracking study has found that the physical presence of people can alter how birds and mammals move through the landscape. More here >
Written by:  (29 May 2026)
 
 
new  Cairngorm Capercaillie lek counts rise 30% in one year   (Conservation News)
Conservationists say the increase in displaying males is an encouraging sign for one of the UK's most threatened birds, though the population remains highly vulnerable. More here >
Written by:  (29 May 2026)
 
 
new  Gentoo Penguins are breeding earlier - and dodging deadly heat   (Research)
Scientists say Gentoo Penguins are showing useful flexibility in a warming climate, but the margin between coping and lethal heat stress may be narrow. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2026)
 
 
new  Young Gannet 'hunt' faces calls for ban as 2026 licence considered   (Conservation News)
Campaigners are urging NatureScot to refuse permission for the annual killing of young Gannets, while the agency says any decision will be based on the latest scientific evidence. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2026)
 
 
new  Record Year for Dartford Warblers on RSPB Nature Reserves   (Conservation News)
Conservationists say large-scale heathland restoration is helping one of southern England’s most distinctive birds continue its recovery after decades of decline. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2026)
 
 
new  Conservationists build barriers to protect vultures from elephant damage   (News)
Hawk Conservancy Trust launches project to safeguard scarce nesting trees used by Lappet-faced Vultures in Kruger National Park after discovering elephants are destroying vital breeding sites. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2026)
 
 
new  Regulation of gamebird shooting urgently needed following a decade of raptor persecution   (Wildlife crime)
A new RSPB report reveals more than 900 confirmed incidents involving birds of prey across the UK in the past ten years. More here >
Written by:  (28 May 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 15 - 21 May   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (22 May 2026)
 
 
White-backed Vultures tracked moving between Africa and Spain   (News)
White-backed Vultures fitted with transmitters in Morocco have crossed into southern Spain. More here >
Written by:  (21 May 2026)
 
 
Raptor scientist targeted with online abuse after webinar announcement   (News)
The wave of misogynistic personal attacks directed at Dr Ruth Tingay came after promotion of her Friends of the Dales talk. More here >
Written by:  (21 May 2026)
 
 
Public vote launched to find Britain's favourite butterfly for the first time   (News)
New campaign combines public voting with growing concerns over long-term insect declines. More here >
Written by:  (21 May 2026)
 
 
Undescribed rail seen again on Great Nicobar Island   (News)
Fresh sightings from India's remote Great Nicobar Island have renewed interest in a little-known rail that may represent a species still unknown to science. More here >
Written by:  (21 May 2026)
 
 
Two female Bonelli's Eagles successfully raise three foster chicks in Spain   (News)
Conservationists in the Basque Country report a rare and successful adoption by a same-sex eagle pair. More here >
Written by:  (21 May 2026)
 
 
Green-winged Macaws breed again in Brazil's Atlantic Forest after nearly 200 years   (Conservation News)
Conservationists say the nesting is a rare piece of good news for one of the world's most threatened forest regions. More here >
Written by:  (21 May 2026)
 
 
Parisian House Sparrow decline appears to have stabilised after years of losses   (Conservation News)
New monitoring data suggests the long decline of the House Sparrow in Paris may have slowed since 2014, although numbers in the French capital remain far below historic levels. More here >
Written by:  (20 May 2026)
 
 
UK winter gull numbers fall sharply   (Conservation News)
New nationwide survey finds several familiar gull species have suffered major population declines over the last 20 years. More here >
Written by:  (20 May 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 8 - 14 May   (Weekly Roundup)
Chris Batty looks back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, headlined by Long-tailed Skuas, Temminck's Stints and Subalpine Warblers. More here >
Written by: Chris Batty (15 May 2026)
 
 
Small seabirds rely on crosswinds to navigate the open ocean   (Research)
A new study reveals that Storm Petrels routinely travel hundreds of kilometers while deliberately seeking crosswinds. More here >
Written by:  (14 May 2026)
 
 
Birds can suffer serious harm from heat waves   (Research)
In a new study, researchers have identified knowledge gaps and propose practical tools for analysing the risks to birds posed by extreme weather. More here >
Written by:  (13 May 2026)
 
 
Megafires may drive prairie grouse into sub-optimal habitats   (Conservation News)
Following a megafire, investigators found that Lesser Prairie Chickens were forced out of high-quality habitat, into sub-optimal habitat and smaller grassland patches near cropland. More here >
Written by:  (13 May 2026)
 
 
Study uses microphones to eavesdrop on the secret lives of birds   (Research)
Scientists show that recordings of songs and calls can reveal details about bird behavior that are otherwise time-consuming and difficult to observe in the wild. More here >
Written by:  (13 May 2026)
 
 
How temperature swings impact the growth of young songbirds   (Research)
Scientists investigated how temperature affects the growth of baby birds and how factors such as age, size, and parental care make them more or less vulnerable to the weather. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2026)
 
 
Timor Green Pigeon 'likely to go extinct' without urgent action   (Conservation News)
The Timor Green Pigeon, under pressure from hunting and habitat loss, is at serious risk of extinction and should be uplisted to Critically Endangered, according to a new study. More here >
Written by:  (11 May 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 1 - 7 May   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic, headlined by a male Lesser Kestrel in Cornwall. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (08 May 2026)
 
 
Conservationists release 4,000 moth eggs on hillside using paintbrushes   (Conservation News)
Staff and volunteers joined a team of 20 in the Cairngorms National Park to release the eggs of the endangered Dark-bordered Beauty which were bred in captivity. More here >
Written by: Butterfly Conservation (07 May 2026)
 
 
Ancient seabird droppings reveal uncertain future for Antarctica's wildlife    (Research)
Long-term evidence shows seabird populations have repeatedly declined during warmer periods. More here >
Written by:  (05 May 2026)
 
 
Promiscuity in birds linked to changes in parenting behaviour   (Research)
A new study finds males invest less in care when females mate with multiple partners. More here >
Written by:  (05 May 2026)
 
 
Moonlight Shapes the Lives of Nightjars, From Feeding to Migration   (Research)
New research shows nocturnal birds are closely tied to the lunar cycle, with knock-on effects for energy, breeding and migration. More here >
Written by:  (05 May 2026)
 
 
EU Moves Forward with Proposal to Ban Lead in Fishing Weights   (Conservation News)
BirdLife says the step could help reduce poisoning risk for waterbirds across Europe. More here >
Written by:  (05 May 2026)
 
 
Record count of Puffins on Skomer   (Conservation News)
The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales says this year's count has beaten the previous record set in 2025. More here >
Written by:  (05 May 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 24 - 30 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2026)
 
 
Wedge-tailed Shearwater colony devastated by feral cat attack   (Conservation News)
Conservationists report 168 adult birds killed at a breeding colony, highlighting ongoing threats to seabirds across the Hawaiian Islands. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2026)
 
 
Gen Z birdwatching numbers rise tenfold since 2018   (Research)
New research shows nearly three-quarters of a million young people in Great Britain now regularly watch birds. More here >
Written by:  (01 May 2026)
 
 
Urban birds flee sooner from women than men, study finds   (Research)
European research shows consistent difference in escape behaviour, with birds taking flight earlier when approached by female observers. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2026)
 
 
Poaching surge reported on Malta as spring migration reaches peak   (Wildlife crime)
Evidence shows widespread breaches of wildlife law as birds pass through Malta. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2026)
 
 
Japan's Oriental Stork population grows following reintroduction   (Conservation News)
Population recovery follows decades of conservation work after species vanished from the country in the 1970s. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2026)
 
 
Nightingales increase on RSPB reserves despite wider UK decline   (Conservation News)
Survey records second highest total in over a decade as habitat management supports recovery on key sites. More here >
Written by:  (30 Apr 2026)
 
 
Dawn Chorus fading as UK songbird numbers continue to fall   (News)
New BTO survey shows long-term declines across many familiar species, with some now disappearing from parts of England's spring soundscape. More here >
Written by:  (29 Apr 2026)
 
 
Kamchatka Gull added to the Irish list   (News)
The IRBC has accepted the first record of Kamchatka Gull which also represents the first accepted record of the taxon for the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (27 Apr 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 17 - 23 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2026)
 
 
Hidden cameras show Cuckoos do not carry eggs in their beaks   (Research)
New video evidence from cavity nests in Finland overturns a long-standing idea about how Common Cuckoos place eggs in host nests. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2026)
 
 
Gamekeeper & sex offender fined after beating Goshawk to death in Perthshire   (Wildlife crime)
RSPB video evidence leads to conviction as concerns persist over misuse of crow cage traps on shooting estates. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2026)
 
 
Citizen science images help identify elusive Kermadec Storm Petrels   (Research)
New study resolves long-standing identification problem and reveals rare seabird occurring beyond its known range. More here >
Written by:  (24 Apr 2026)
 
 
Raptor expert warns risks remain for Golden Eagle reintroduction   (News)
Raptor Persecution UK warns underlying threats must be addressed before any return to England is considered . More here >
Written by:  (23 Apr 2026)
 
 
Hawaiian songbirds raid neighbouring nests following breeding losses   (Research)
Research shows birds turn to nest-raiding after losing their own broods, revealing unexpected behavioural flexibility. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2026)
 
 
Parrot found to be dominant alpha male despite physical impairment   (Research)
Study shows injured bird maintained top social status, challenging assumptions about dominance in animal groups. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2026)
 
 
Penguin muscle study sheds light on how birds 'waddle' underwater   (Research)
New research reveals the muscular mechanics behind penguins' distinctive swimming motion beneath the surface. More here >
Written by:  (22 Apr 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 10 - 16 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2026)
 
 
Fifty years of data reveal specialist butterflies disappearing across the UK   (Conservation News)
Long-term monitoring shows widespread declines among habitat specialists despite some gains in generalist species. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2026)
 
 
Blue-headed Quail-Dove population rediscovered in central Cuba   (News)
Encouraging field observations suggest the elusive species persists beyond its last known strongholds. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2026)
 
 
Video shows sunbirds suck nectar while hummingbirds don't   (Research)
High-speed footage reveals a key difference in how two nectar-feeding bird groups extract food from flowers. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2026)
 
 
French hunter sentenced for killing Bearded Vulture he said was a crow   (Wildlife crime)
Court hands down fine and suspended sentence after killing of protected bird released in Alpine reintroduction programme. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2026)
 
 
BBRC highlights 'missing records' from 2025 and calls for submissions   (British List)
Observers are urged to complete the record as committee prepares it's annual report. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2026)
 
 
First North American record of Dark-sided Flycatcher explained by migratory reversal   (Research)
First record of both species and genus in the region, with researchers concluding the bird likely flew a reversed migration route. More here >
Written by:  (17 Apr 2026)
 
 
RSPB advice to cut summer feeding sparks backlash from suppliers   (News)
RSPB cites science behind disease risk, while suppliers push back without equivalent published evidence. More here >
Written by:  (15 Apr 2026)
 
 
Bonaparte's Gull removed from British rarity list   (British List)
BBRC decision reflects sustained increase in sightings across Britain over the last 25 years. More here >
Written by:  (13 Apr 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 3 - 9 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2026)
 
 
Mixed Pied Crow and Northern Raven pair attempts to nest in northern Morocco   (News)
Ornithomedia reports unusual interaction between two closely related corvids in northern Morocco. More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2026)
 
 
RSPB urges major rethink on garden bird feeding to tackle disease risk   (News)
New seasonal advice marks shift in guidance as scientists link feeder use to spread of illness in declining species . More here >
Written by:  (10 Apr 2026)
 
 
Spurn Bird Observatory offers 12-month conservation internship   (News)
Placement provides hands-on experience in migration monitoring, ringing and habitat management at a leading UK bird observatory. More here >
Written by:  (09 Apr 2026)
 
 
Emperor Penguin classed as Endangered as climate change drives steep decline   (Conservation News)
BirdLife International assessment warns Antarctic icon could halve in number this century without urgent global action. More here >
Written by:  (09 Apr 2026)
 
 
Spanish hunter fined €100,800 for shooting protected Iberian Lynx   (Wildlife crime)
The killing of a nursing female lynx and her dependent cubs in a Toledo hunting reserve highlights the ongoing threat posed by wildlife crime to Europe's most vulnerable species recovery programmes. More here >
Written by:  (09 Apr 2026)
 
 
Record volunteer turnout reveals changes in UK's breeding birds   (News)
Collared Dove down 40%, Greenfinch showing tentative signs of recovery, and Song Thrush bucking the trend — the 2025 BBS report paints a complex picture of winners and losers. More here >
Written by:  (09 Apr 2026)
 
 
Historic ban on lead ammunition comes into force   (News)
Britain bans lead ammunition, but a three-year phase-out leaves wildlife at risk in the interim More here >
Written by:  (09 Apr 2026)
 
 
Wildlife Trusts' 20-year lottery-funded programme delivers major wins for Britain's wildlife   (Conservation News)
Two decades of Postcode Lottery funding has transformed nature recovery across Britain. More here >
Written by:  (08 Apr 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 27 Mar - 2 Apr   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (02 Apr 2026)
 
 
Bird flu outbreak dramatically increases risks to migrating Rough-legged Buzzards   (Research)
Long-term tracking reveals how disease can turn migration from low-risk to high-risk period for birds. More here >
Written by:  (02 Apr 2026)
 
 
Snowy Owl among migratory species given stronger global protection at UN summit   (Conservation News)
Key listings highlight growing pressures on Arctic and oceanic birds, alongside wider action for migratory species. More here >
Written by:  (02 Apr 2026)
 
 
New report reveals mixed fortunes for Northern Ireland's seabirds   (Conservation News)
Declines in key species offset by local gains at internationally important colonies. More here >
Written by:  (02 Apr 2026)
 
 
Poisoning incident deals major blow to Cinereous Vulture population in Greece   (Wildlife crime)
Multiple birds killed in single illegal baiting event at key Balkan breeding site. More here >
Written by:  (02 Apr 2026)
 
 
Seven Sisters declared England's newest National Nature Reserve   (News)
Iconic Sussex coastline gains top conservation status in major step for nature recovery. More here >
Written by:  (02 Apr 2026)
 
 
UK Crane population reaches record levels after strong breeding year   (Conservation News)
Surveys show 87 breeding pairs raised 37 chicks in 2025, bringing total population to around 250 birds. More here >
Written by:  (02 Apr 2026)
 
 
Kelp Gull subspecies added to British List   (British List)
BOURC accepts subspecies vetula (Cape Gull) after sustained presence at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire. More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2026)
 
 
BOURC says no to Pied Crow   (British List)
Committee rules long-staying bird was likely ship-assisted and not a natural vagrant to Britain . More here >
Written by:  (01 Apr 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 20 - 26 Mar   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2026)
 
 
Galapagos Lava Heron confirmed as distinct species    (Research)
New research reshapes understanding of Butorides herons, revealing the island population is more closely related to Green Heron than to mainland Striated Herons. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2026)
 
 
New Steamerduck species confirmed in Chile   (Research)
Bioacoustic evidence and subtle differences in bill colour reveal that a Chiloe population is distinct from the Magellanic Steamerduck. More here >
Written by:  (27 Mar 2026)
 
 
Lappet-faced Vulture photographed in Spain   (News)
Rare African species photographed in Andalucia in what could be the first confirmed modern record for Spain. More here >
Written by:  (26 Mar 2026)
 
 
Defra launches consultation on bird shooting seasons   (News)
The new consultation raises hopes of improved safeguards for Woodcock and other vulnerable species and has been welcomed by Wild Justice. More here >
Written by:  (26 Mar 2026)
 
 
Norfolk Wildlife Trust takes over management of country park on edge of Norwich   (Conservation News)
New stewardship and land acquisition set to transform Broadland Country Park into a larger and more diverse wildlife haven. More here >
Written by:  (26 Mar 2026)
 
 
Dorset Puffin colony down to just three pairs   (Conservation News)
No chicks have fledged at Purbeck in recent years, raising serious concerns about the future of the species locally. More here >
Written by:  (26 Mar 2026)
 
 
Rathlin Island declared ferret-free after world-first eradication project   (Conservation News)
RSPB Northern Ireland and project partners say the removal of feral ferrets from Rathlin should give one of the UK's most important seabird colonies a far better chance of recovery. More here >
Written by:  (26 Mar 2026)
 
 
RSPB urges public to help protect ground-nesting birds this spring   (Conservation News)
Charity says simple steps from walkers, dog owners, swimmers and paddlers could make a real difference as vulnerable species begin breeding across the UK. More here >
Written by:  (26 Mar 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 13 - 19 Mar   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
Road surveys reveal severe widespread declines in South Africa's birds of prey   (Research)
Long-term study suggests many raptor populations are falling faster than widely used atlas data indicates. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
Wild Northern Bald Ibis population in Spain surpasses 50 breeding pairs   (News)
Once extinct in Europe, the species is continuing its slow but significant recovery in southern Spain. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
World's largest Audouin's Gull colony now established in southern Portugal   (News)
Once restricted to the Mediterranean, the species is continuing its remarkable westward shift. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
24 vultures poisoned and decapitated in Senegal   (Wildlife crime)
Deliberate removal of heads points to illegal wildlife trade as major threat alongside toxic carcasses. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
£5 million boost secures future of historic Rothbury estate for wildlife   (Conservation News)
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is celebrating the major grant which will fund habitat restoration, boost biodiversity and improve access across the estate. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
WWT to start three-year wetland creation and restoration project at WWT Llanelli   (Conservation News)
WWT, the wetland charity, has received £548,406 to carry out a three-year wetland creation and restoration project. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
Dorset council pledges to create Butterfly Friendly town   (News)
Gillingham Town Council in Dorset has signed up to Butterfly Conservation's nationwide challenge calling on all local authorities to help butterflies and moths. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
Butterfly Conservation helps defeat forestry plan   (Conservation News)
Butterfly Conservation is celebrating after helping to defeat plans for a 400-hectare forestry plantation that would have destroyed precious Brown Argus habitat. More here >
Written by:  (20 Mar 2026)
 
 
Weekly birding round-up: 6 - 12 Mar   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn's regular look back at the best birds from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (13 Mar 2026)
 
 
Europe's Buzzards Are Losing Their Colour Diversity   (Research)
New research suggests intermediate plumage is becoming dominant across the continent, reducing the striking variation long seen in Common Buzzards. More here >
Written by:  (11 Mar 2026)
 
 
Finland's Eagle Owls boomed on landfill rats - and declined when the dumps closed   (Research)
A long-term study suggests decades of waste disposal unintentionally boosted the breeding success of Europe's largest owl before modern recycling changed the food supply. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2026)
 
 
Spanish Little Swift numbers continue to rise   (News)
Once a rarity in Europe, the population of Little Swifts in the Andalusian port of Chipiona is continuing to grow, highlighting the remarkable expansion of this African species into southern Spain. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2026)
 
 
New technique allows scientists to identify individual birds migrating at night   (Research)
Researchers using thermal imaging and photography have, for the first time, been able to directly observe and identify birds migrating through the night sky. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2026)
 
 
Large Tortoiseshell butterfly no longer extinct in UK   (News)
New records indicate that one of Britain's long-lost butterflies could be returning, with the Large Tortoiseshell now reported from multiple English counties. More here >
Written by:  (09 Mar 2026)
 
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