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release: 21 December 2011

ROBINS ARE NOT THE ONLY RED BREASTED BIRDS THAT NEED YOUR HELP THIS CHRISTMAS

We all associate robins with Christmas but the RSPB is encouraging you to spare a thought for some other red-breasted birds that will be struggling to survive the winter.

While latest statistics show robins are doing better than ever in the UK, increasing by almost 20% in recent years, there are some species not faring so well.

The RSPB is urging people in Berkshire to look out for some other red-breasted birds this winter such as linnets, bullfinches and lesser redpolls.

Samantha Stokes, spokesperson from the RSPB says, “The robin gets most of the glory at this time of year but there are some other ‘Christmas coloured’ birds that need our attention too.

“Whilst these species aren’t as common on the bird table there is a chance you’ll see bullfinches and lesser redpolls as the weather worsens and they come into your garden in search of food and shelter.”

Recent surveys by the RSPB and the BTO have shown that these three brightly coloured birds have suffered a worrying downward turn.

Between 1995 and 2008 linnets and bullfinches have shown greater declines in the southeast than in any other English region.

Linnet numbers are down by 50% compared to a national decline of 23% in the same period.

Bullfinches have seen a 41% decline across the southeast, nationally they have fared a little better with a decline of 4% - once widespread they are now just a localised species in many parts of the UK.

Lesser redpolls have declined massively between 1970 and 2009, down 88% across the UK.  However since 1995, results from the Breeding Bird Survey show a small (16%) increase, but their numbers are still so low in the southeast that there is no recorded data for them.

Gardeners may not be familiar with these birds as they are much shyer than robins and other garden regulars. They also prefer different habitats in the wider countryside including farmland, woodland and hedgerows.
 
But winter is just the time of year to welcome unusual visitors to gardens and bullfinches and lesser redpolls in particular are more likely to come into gardens when food is harder to find elsewhere.  

Every day, birds need to find and eat food equivalent to 40% of their own body weight. When it’s cold and there is snow and ice on the ground it gets harder for them to find supplies from natural sources. The food you put out can provide a real lifeline.

Samantha added: “The way our countryside is managed, and the natural resources it provides is vital to these birds - but at this time of year don’t underestimate the range of garden visitors you might get!”

Kate Risely, from the BTO added, “Our detailed knowledge of bird populations is thanks to thousands of volunteer bird surveyors. Conservation depends on information, and here in the UK we are fortunate to have so many people with the knowledge and enthusiasm to help monitor our natural environment”. 

The RSPB is urging people to continue feeding birds throughout the winter and keep a look out for these alternative ‘red-breasts’, hanging out with the festive favourites.

For more information on feeding birds in your garden, please go to: www.rspb.org.uk/advice