The decline of the Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus in Britain: evidence from bird observatory data

Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) Science Article 1

abstract

Analysis of British and Irish bird observatory data from 1970-1998 shows that the number of Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus bird days has declined significantly in spring at western observatories through which British-breeding birds pass, but not at east coast observatories through which Fennoscandian breeders pass. The extent of decline corresponds roughly to the decline in numbers of British breeders as assessed on the breeding grounds. While these results could indicate that the decline in British Ring Ouzels is caused by problems on the breeding grounds, we also highlight the possibility that differences in the timing and routing of British and Fennoscandian birds when migrating across continental Europe could expose the former to greater risks from hunting.

I. J. Burfield and M. de L. Brooke, Ringing & Migration (2005) 22, 199-204

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