Irish birds in alarming decline

Information on Ireland’s bird populations has been collected by both professional and amateur birdwatchers and 199 species were assessed. Bird species have been placed on either Red, Amber or Green Lists with the Red List containing those bird populations that have declined by over 50% or those that are globally threatened. The Irish Red List identifies 25 species which require urgent action to secure their future, this is seven more than in 1999, and the Amber list contains 85 species, the remaining 89 being on the Green list.

Losing out are wintering populations of Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus, Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata, and Red Knot Calidris canutus, all having declined by more than half during the last 25 years. The reduction in the number of these species wintering in Ireland has been linked to climate change.

Nesting populations of Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, Common Redshank Tringa totanus, Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus and Herring Gull Larus argentatus have also all declined by more than half over the same time period.

"Since our last report in 1999, the situation has worsened for many of Ireland's birds" —Stephen Newton, BirdWatch Ireland

"Since our last report in 1999, the situation has worsened for many of Ireland's birds. Twenty-five species are now allocated to the Irish Red List. We will lose many of these birds from our shores if concerted and immediate action is not taken. It is only a few short years since Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra went extinct as a breeding species here. Many others are now in danger of following suit”, said Dr Stephen Newton, co-author of the report from BirdWatch Ireland.

The news is not all bad. Both Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii and Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus have moved from the Irish Red List to the Amber List, demonstrating that nature conservation can work. Both species have benefited from the work of RSPB Northern Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland and government bodies. Others, such as Corncrake Crex crex and Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella, should follow suit as work continues to improve their fortunes.

Dr James Robinson from the RSPB, a co-author of the report, said: "This report confirms that we must redouble our efforts to secure the future for many of our most threatened birds. Most of the birds that appear on the Irish Red List have suffered from long-term changes to or loss of the habitats they need to survive. However, for some migratory birds, we believe milder winters on the continent are reducing the numbers that visit the island of Ireland in the colder months of the year. This is the first time that changes in climate have been identified as a factor leading to appearance on the Irish Red List."