Population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom.

Abstract

Population estimates of birds have a wide range of practical conservation uses, as well as being of enduring interest to many birdwatchers. Following previous reports by the Avian Population Estimates Panel, in 1997 and 2006, we present the third collation of population estimates of birds in Great Britain and the United Kingdom. There are now thought to be about 84 million breeding pairs of birds in the UK. The ten commonest species contribute 57% of this total, with Wren Troglodytes troglodytes alone providing one in ten of our breeding birds. In all, 23 species exceed one million breeding pairs. The individual population estimates come from a wide variety of sources, many from extrapolation of previous estimates by recognised trend measures, others from new surveys and novel analytical approaches developed since the last report. Despite the exceptional level of detail available for some species, many gaps in our knowledge remain. Recommendations are made to allow a continuing improvement in our understanding of the numbers of birds in GB and the UK. There are many opportunities for volunteer and amateur birdwatchers to make a significant contribution.