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
 
 
How new bird species arise   (Research)
The discussion about how mountain bird species arise has been ongoing among scientific researchers for many years. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Mar 2022)
 
 
Swallows shun migration for mild winter stay in Britain   (News)
The change in behaviour is one of the most remarkable signs yet of the warming world being caused by climate change, according to the BTO's chief executive. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Mar 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 1 - 7 Mar 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
New study investigates risk to breeding birds from upland burning   (Conservation News)
The burning season overlaps with the nesting attempts of some early-breeding species, including Peregrine, Lapwing, Golden Plover and Stonechat. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
What caused blackbirds to fall from the sky to their death?   (News)
Since the 'crash' on the 7th February viewers of the viral video have sought to explain what happened. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
Faroe Islands begin review of controversial dolphin hunt   (News)
The Danish autonomous territory has said it had begun discussions about the future of its controversial dolphin hunt, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Mar 2022)
 
 
Is Israel's Egyptian Vulture reintroduction project working?   (Research)
A recently published paper has looked at the success or otherwise of Israel's Egyptian Vulture reintroduction project. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Mar 2022)
 
 
Natural England publishes post-mortem results for two dead Hen Harriers   (News)
Natural England has finally published the post-mortem results of two Hen Harriers found dead in October 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Mar 2022)
 
 
Spurn Bird Obs seeking new operations manager   (News)
Spurn Bird Observatory have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, organised and experienced individual to lead the Observatory's day to day running. More here >
Written by: RBA (07 Mar 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 22 - 28 Feb 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (01 Mar 2022)
 
 
Male birds have stronger immune system than females   (Research)
New research has found evidence that males live longer than females due to differences in their immune systems. More here >
Written by:  (01 Mar 2022)
 
 
Cinereous Vulture population tripled in Mallorca in the last decade   (News)
The results from the first photographic census reveal that the Cinereous Vulture population in Mallorca tripled over the last decade. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Mar 2022)
 
 
Altruism in birds? Magpies help each other remove tracking devices   (Research)
A pilot study of Australian Magpies discovered an entirely new social behaviour rarely seen in birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Higher levels of biodiversity appear to reduce extinction risk in birds   (Research)
The enormous variety of life on Earth and the species, traits and evolutionary history they represent, appear to reduce extinction risk in birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
What bird beaks say about tropical biodiversity   (Research)
Areas of the globe where fruit-eating birds have wider beaks also have larger palm fruits, a new study shows. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Body measurements for all 11,000 bird species released in open-access database   (News)
Called, AVONET, it contains measurements of more than 90,000 individual birds, allowing researchers to test theories and aid conservation. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Teaching old dogs new tricks: sniffer dogs helping detect seabirds   (Research)
An innovative study, led by the RSPB, has been testing the ability of dogs to track seabirds that nest in burrows. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Worrying increase in illegal killing of songbirds in Cyprus   (Wildlife crime)
New figures show an estimated 605,000 songbirds were trapped and killed in 6.5 km of mists nets within the survey area during Autumn 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (28 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 15 - 21 Feb 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (22 Feb 2022)
 
 
No venom resistance in snake-eating birds   (Research)
A new study has shown that snake-eating birds have no resistance to venom - they just don't need it. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Feb 2022)
 
 
Big-data tracking technologies revolutionising conservation   (Research)
Recent advances in wildlife tracking techniques are revealing details that were previously impossible to explore. More here >
Written by: RBA (21 Feb 2022)
 
 
Nearly half of US Bald Eagles show signs of chronic lead exposure   (Conservation News)
America's national bird is more beleaguered than previously believed, with nearly half of bald eagles tested across the U.S. showing signs of chronic lead exposure. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Feb 2022)
 
 
Important Orkney waters finally granted protection   (Conservation News)
Other areas of Scotland's seas were granted protection in 2020, but two areas in Orkney were left out, despite their importance, until now. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Feb 2022)
 
 
Norfolk Wildlife Trust launches appeal to purchase urban reserve   (News)
Close to the heart of Norwich lies Sweet Briar Marshes: 90 acres of fen, rough meadow, grazing marsh, old hedgerows and young woodland. More here >
Written by: RBA (16 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 8 - 14 Feb 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (15 Feb 2022)
 
 
British Birds seeks new compiler for News & comment   (News)
BB is looking for a budding journalist with an interest in sharing ornithological news stories. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (15 Feb 2022)
 
 
Suspended sentence for man who took Red Kite from nest   (Wildlife crime)
Dewi Price was found guilty of seven wildlife offences - which included disturbing a red kite nest and taking a baby chick. More here >
Written by: RBA (15 Feb 2022)
 
 
Citizen scientists provide vital new information about Tawny Owls   (Research)
Thanks to the efforts of nearly 10,000 'citizen scientists' we now have a much greater understanding of the UK's breeding Tawny Owls. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
Was bird monitoring immune to COVID-19?   (News)
Scientists at the BTO came up with some clever crunching to assess the effect of the pandemic on bird recording. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
Vets save knife-swallowing Bearded Vulture   (News)
The vulture is better known for its incredible ability to swallow and digest bones. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
White-tailed Eagles found dead on shooting estates in southern England   (Wildlife crime)
The two birds, found dead in suspicious circumstances, were part of the Isle of Wight reintroduction project. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 1 - 7 Feb 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Hummingbirds found to exert fine control over body heat   (Research)
Scientists have made a new discovery about the ability of hummingbirds to regulate their body temperature. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Native birds have vanished across Australia since colonisation   (Research)
New research has, for the first time, registered just how much Australia has actually lost. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: The Wryneck   (Book of the Month)
This all-encompassing and engaging account has been written for a wide audience, whether professional ornithologist, citizen scientist or amateur birder. More here >
Written by:  (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Fear of predators reduces population growth over generations   (Research)
A new study has shown fear of being killed can halve the population size of prey in 5 years or less. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Dog faeces and urine could be harming nature reserves   (Research)
Dogs being walked in nature reserves contribute a significant amount of nutrients to the environment through their faeces and urine. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
UK plants flowering a month earlier due to climate change   (Research)
The changes caused by earlier flowering could have profound consequences for wildlife, agriculture and gardeners. More here >
Written by: RBA (08 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 25 - 31 Jan 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Gamekeeper convicted of beating to death two buzzards, avoids jail   (Wildlife crime)
John Orrey was filmed killing the birds on an estate that is home to a commercial pheasant shoot. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Poland's border wall will cut Europe's oldest forest in half   (News)
Poland is planning to build a wall along its border with Belarus, primarily to block migrants fleeing the Middle East and Asia. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Birds and bees: why new buildings need to support the natural world   (News)
New planning laws in Brighton and Hove now require developers to install bricks for bees and swifts into all new buildings taller than five metres. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Birds shuffle and repeat their tunes to keep the audience listening   (Research)
Male Song Sparrows deliberately shuffle and mix their song repertoire possibly as a way to keep it interesting for their female audience. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Songbirds use the Earth's magnetic field as a stop sign during migration   (Research)
A new study has shed light on how birds navigate back to their breeding site after flying across two continents. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
New research on famous 'supertramp' birds offers fresh evolutionary insights   (Research)
'Supertramp' birds in Southeast Asia are providing unique insights into how evolution is linked to flight ability and competition. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Government puts bees at risk again in 2022   (News)
The Government has permitted the use of the banned pesticide thiamethoxam on sugar beet in England in 2022. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Location of re-introduced Chequered Skipper butterfly revealed   (News)
For the first time since 1976, wildlife enthusiasts will be able to see the rare and beautiful Chequered Skipper butterfly in the wild in England this summer. More here >
Written by: RBA (01 Feb 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 18 - 24 Jan 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds of the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (26 Jan 2022)
 
 
Mark Avery's Book Review: Ants   (Book review)
In this book, impassioned entomologist Richard Jones reveals the bizarre and sometimes poorly studied behaviours of ants. More here >
Written by:  (25 Jan 2022)
 
 
Extinct Chernobyl eagle back from the dead   (Research)
Greater Spotted Eagles have returned to the Chernobyl area after going extinct before the nuclear disaster in 1986. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2022)
 
 
RSPB Scotland calls for emergency wildfowling moratorium on the Solway   (News)
The call comes as avian influenza has devastated the wintering Barnacle Goose population. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2022)
 
 
Researchers discover unexpected deep diving in albatross   (Research)
Researchers have found some Black-browed Albatrosses diving at unexpected depths to pursue prey. More here >
Written by: RBA (24 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bluefin tuna tagged for first time in UK waters with acoustic 'residency' tags   (12 Birds of Christmas)
The tags send coded messages to listening stations moored on the seabed and record how long bluefin tuna are in UK waters each year. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jan 2022)
 
 
Biden announces $1.1 billion for Everglades restoration   (Conservation News)
A historic increase in Everglades funding was announced Wednesday by the Biden administration, with a plan to restore South Florida's famous wilderness. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jan 2022)
 
 
India bids farewell to 'supermum' tiger Collarwali   (News)
Indian animal lovers are in mourning over the sudden passing of a nationally famous tigress credited with repopulating a forest redoubt for her endangered kin. More here >
Written by: RBA (20 Jan 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 11 - 16 Jan 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Paddyfield Pipit doesn't make the grade for the British List   (British List)
The BOURC has announced that Britain's only record of Paddyfield Pipit has been placed in Category D of the British List. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Ecuador expands sea life protections around Galapagos   (Conservation News)
Ecuador has created a massive new marine reserve north of its Galapagos islands, forming a Pacific corridor up to Costa Rica's Cocos Island National Park. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Where have all the Twite gone?   (Conservation News)
Nature lovers across the South Pennines are being asked to support efforts to stop the songbird disappearing from the area's uplands. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
New offshore windfarms could be a disaster for Scotland's seabirds   (Conservation News)
RSPB Scotland has criticised plans announced by the Scottish government for huge new offshore windfarms. More here >
Written by: RBA (18 Jan 2022)
 
 
Lost birds and mammals spell doom for some plants   (Research)
In one of the first studies of its kind, researchers have gauged how biodiversity loss of birds and mammals will impact plants' chances of adapting to human-induced climate warming. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Regent Honeyeater is on the edge of extinction   (Conservation News)
There are less than 300 birds left in the wild as habitat loss has pushed the survivors into little pockets across their once vast range. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
UK Red Squirrel conservation strategies likely to undermine species survival in future   (Research)
Conservation strategies that favour non-native conifer plantations are likely to negatively impact Red Squirrels. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Study shows the toll industrial farming takes on bird diversity   (Research)
Researchers studied how different farming indicators impact the bird diversity in farmland bordering the former Iron Curtain in Germany. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bald Eagle rebound stunted by lead ammunition poisoning   (Research)
Poisonings from contaminated carcasses has reduced population growth by 4% to 6% annually in the northeastern US. More here >
Written by: RBA (14 Jan 2022)
 
 
Weekly Birding Roundup 4 - 10 Jan 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Surprisingly few animals die in wildfires   (Research)
New research suggests that more than 90% of animals survive the immediate passage of a typical wildfire but more research is needed on mega fires. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Israeli Big Year record broken   (News)
Yoav Perlman, Director of Birdlife Israel, broke the 400 barrier in his big year during 2021. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Injured Cinereous Vulture pair gets new chance to contribute to the species conservation   (Conservation News)
The two birds named Sophia and Badahos recently arrived at Sofia Zoo in Bulgaria. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bird protection volunteers' vehicle damaged by explosive device   (News)
CABS has urged the Cypriot government to take a clear stand against poaching and violence following the latest attack. More here >
Written by: RBA (11 Jan 2022)
 
 
Bezos Earth Fund Invests $12 Million in Bird Conservation in the Tropical Andes   (Conservation News)
The $12 million grant will support local communities and Indigenous peoples to establish and strengthen 30-40 new protected sites. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Jan 2022)
 
 
Former quarry turns haven for threatened birds   (Conservation News)
Nature is reclaiming her territory at a quarry in the east of England that is being transformed into a vast reserve offering vital sanctuary to endangered birds. More here >
Written by: RBA (10 Jan 2022)
 
 
Endangered fairywrens breed outside season for second year   (Research)
Purple-crowned Fairywrens in Northern Australia may be more flexible in their breeding behaviour than previously thought. More here >
Written by: RBA (06 Jan 2022)
 
 
Birding Roundup 21 Dec 2021 - 3 Jan 2022   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the Christmas and New Year fortnight from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by: Jon Dunn (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Environmental charities call on Boris Johnson to make good on COP26 promises   (Conservation News)
The National Trust, RSPB, Woodland Trust and The Wildlife Trusts call for urgent action and build on the promises made at COP26 in Glasgow More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Crows keep special tools extra safe   (Research)
Crows are more likely to store relatively complex and efficient foraging tools for future use than more basic tools. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Extreme heatwave kills hundreds of penguins   (Research)
Researchers in Argentina witnessed the mass die-off at one of the world's largest breeding colonies for Magellanic Penguins when temperatures reached 44C. More here >
Written by: RBA (05 Jan 2022)
 
 
Tracking of nearctic skuas surprises scientists   (Research)
Scientists tracking three species of Skua found they had diverse migratory paths from a shared breeding site. More here >
Written by: RBA (23 Dec 2021)
 
 
Steller's Sea-Eagle found in Massachusetts   (News)
The spectacular raptor was found on the Taunton River in Massachusetts, south of Boston on Monday. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
Warbler that heads north for the winter   (Research)
New research from the BTO has shown that Blackcaps wintering in the UK originate from at least seven different countries. More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
Merry Christmas from the RBA team   (News)
A Christmas message for all our subscribers and supporters.
More here >
Written by: RBA (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 14 - 20 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
In his final roundup of the year, Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by:  (22 Dec 2021)
 
 
A quiet Christmas? How Britain & Ireland's breeding birds fared in 2021   (Conservation News)
The latest results from the BTO report a poor year for many of our birds, largely due to a cooler and wetter spring than average. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
First Ever Vulture Safe Zone in Nepal Declared Fully Safe   (Conservation News)
The area has seen the removal of the veterinary drug diclofenac which is responsible for a large number of vulture deaths. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Human disturbance affecting Little Penguins   (Research)
A new study has found increasing human disturbance to Little Penguin habitat may lead to increasingly aggressive behaviour from the birds. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Increased protection for rare bird species' habitats in Russia   (Conservation News)
A new mapping tool released by WWF Russia will help identify and determine habitats in need of protection from logging. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Antarctic seabird faces declining populations   (Research)
A long-term study by British Antarctic Survey shows significant declines in two locations on South Georgia. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Energy-saving strategy helps hummingbirds fuel their long migrations   (Research)
Ruby-throated hummingbirds use the same energy-conserving strategy to survive overnight fasts and build the fat stores they need to fuel long migrations. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
Thousands of threatened seabirds are dying due to Government delays on fixable bycatch problem   (Conservation News)
Conservation organisations are concerned the delays will result in the UK’s globally important seabird populations being needless killed. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
RSPB Minsmere hails heathland restoration a success   (Conservation News)
Improving the heathland has allowed declining birds like Stone Curlew, Nightjar and Dartford Warbler to make Minsmere their home. More here >
Written by:  (21 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 7 - 13 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the Western Palearctic. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
Hunting, climate change and habitat loss driving declines in iconic Asian birds   (Conservation News)
Species including the Maleo, Vietnamese Crested Argus, Lesser Florican and Green Imperial-pigeon are all declining. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
Scottish Corncrake numbers continue to fall   (Conservation News)
The latest RSPB Scotland survey has shown that Corncrake numbers continue worrying downward trend More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder of the Year   (News)
Fifteen-year-old Corin Woodhead, from Scotland, was named Martin Garner Spurn Young Birder of the Year in the senior category and ten-year-old Levi Gravett in the junior category. More here >
Written by:  (14 Dec 2021)
 
 
Migratory birds have lighter-coloured feathers   (Research)
Researchers have discovered an unexpected way that migratory birds keep their cool during such arduous journeys. More here >
Written by:  (13 Dec 2021)
 
 
Dead White-tailed Eagles test positive for bird flu   (Conservation News)
Dead eagles found in Scotland and Ireland in recent weeks have tested positive for Avian influenza (H5N1). More here >
Written by:  (09 Dec 2021)
 
 
Time is running out for Vietnamese wildlife hotspot   (Conservation News)
Snaring, trapping, shooting, fishing and logging are threatening a wide range of species in Kon Plong in the central highlands. More here >
Written by:  (07 Dec 2021)
 
 
Ring-billed Gulls found able to pass the 'string-pull' test   (Research)
The string-pull test is a widely used experiment to test the cognitive abilities of animals and this is the first time a gull has passed. More here >
Written by:  (07 Dec 2021)
 
 
The Rare Bird Alert birding round-up 30 Nov - 6 Dec   (Weekly Roundup)
Jon Dunn looks back on the best birds from the last seven days from around Britain, Ireland and the WP. More here >
Written by:  (07 Dec 2021)
 
 
Wintering grounds of Europe's Greater Spotted Eagles uncovered   (Research)
Scientists tracked birds to better understand the movements and pressures they face outside of the breeding season. More here >
Written by:  (03 Dec 2021)
 
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