UK Starling Numbers Plummet to Record Low in Big Garden Birdwatch
The UK’s starling population has hit an all-time low in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ (RSPB) annual Big Garden Birdwatch, sparking fears for the future of these charismatic birds. According to the Guardian, which reported on the RSPB’s findings, the starling has fallen to fourth place in the list of most commonly spotted birds in UK gardens, with numbers continuing to decline across the board.
The Big Garden Birdwatch, which took place in January, saw over 600,000 people in the UK participate in the survey, counting the maximum number of each species recorded at their chosen location – mainly gardens, but also parks or other green spaces – during a one-hour period. The results, as reported by the Guardian, show that sparrows remain top of the chart, followed by the blue tit and the wood pigeon. However, starling numbers have dropped to an average of 2.30 per garden, down from 2.44 last year, and 84% since the survey started in 1979.
The decline in bird numbers is a worrying trend, with government statistics showing that populations are plummeting as a result of habitat loss, pesticide use, climate breakdown, and bird flu. According to the Guardian, overall, between 2018 and 2023, bird populations declined by 2% across the UK, and by 7% in England. The RSPB’s chief executive, Beccy Speight, said: "Starlings are one of our most charismatic garden birds, but this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch results are a reason for concern. With one in six species at risk of extinction in Great Britain, we’ve done more damage to our natural world than we realise. However, we can all do our bit to support these threatened birds by taking small actions that can not only benefit starlings, but a wealth of other garden wildlife."
The RSPB is urging Britain’s gardeners to take action to support starlings and other garden birds. As reported by the Guardian, the charity recommends keeping lawns wild by not cutting them too often, and avoiding the use of pesticides, which reduce the number of insects to eat and can poison birds. Starlings like short grass as it lets them watch out for predators while feeding, so mowing the lawn occasionally is beneficial to them. The RSPB also suggests keeping lawns natural with wildflower pollinators, such as dandelion and clover, allowing the birds to forage for invertebrates.
Some species have experienced a dizzying decline in abundance since the 1970s. The sparrow, for example, while remaining the most populous bird, has fallen in numbers by 54% since the survey started, as reported by the Guardian, citing the RSPB’s findings. Starlings have dropped 84% and greenfinches 67.9%. The Guardian reported that the top 10 species in the 2025 Big Garden Birdwatch are:
- House sparrow
- Blue tit
- Wood pigeon
- Starling
- Blackbird
- Robin
- Great tit
- Goldfinch
- Magpie
- Long-tailed tit
The Big Garden Birdwatch is an annual survey that has been running since 1979, and provides valuable insights into the state of UK bird populations. As reported by the Guardian, the RSPB uses the data to inform its conservation work and to campaign for policies that protect birds and their habitats. With bird numbers continuing to decline, it is clear that action is needed to protect these vital species.
The RSPB is calling on the public to get involved and take action to support garden birds. By making small changes to their gardens, such as putting up nest boxes with a 45mm (1.7in) entrance hole, and keeping lawns natural, individuals can make a big difference. As Beccy Speight said: "We can all do our bit to support these threatened birds by taking small actions that can not only benefit starlings, but a wealth of other garden wildlife." The Guardian reported on the RSPB’s efforts to raise awareness about the decline of starlings and other garden birds, highlighting the importance of conservation work.
The article was originally reported by The Guardian.
