Songbird Survival
Over 36 years (BTO)

Press Reports

BTO Press Release

Are predators to blame for songbird decline?

In the biggest ever analysis of songbirds and their predators, published today in the Journal of Applied Ecology, scientists look at the role of predators in the decline of species such as Bullfinch and Yellowhammer. Whilst a small number of associations may suggest significant negative effects between predator and prey species, for the majority of the songbird species examined there is no evidence that increases in common avian predators or Grey Squirrels are associated with large-scale population declines.

Tree Sparrow down 97% 

Go to: BTO article / Press Release / Journal of Applied Ecology

Please click the 'Associated File' for a full PDF version of the paper.

Associated File: Click here to download

Date Added: March 8th 2010