Research Project

Meta-analysis of nest camera studies

Despite the fact that nest predation is a crucial part of understanding avian population fluctuations, very little is known about what habitats, bird species or nest types are most at risk and from which predators.

Many predation studies use dummy plasticine eggs in fake nests or infer predation from loss of chicks and eggs over time. Whilst these methods are useful, the use of dummy eggs means they are afforded no protection, as there are no parents to protect the nests. The results therefore cannot accurately reflect what happens in the wild.

Nest camera studies are the only unbiased method of gathering accurate information on the rate of nest predation. That is why we funded a meta-analysis, collating, and analysing the results of many of these studies to understand how nest predation affects a variety of species across the UK, which are the key predators and any gaps in our knowledge.

The Project

Predator-prey interactions are part of the natural life cycle. Nest predation, however, can become a significant issue for bird species that are already in decline. Understanding nest predation is key to comprehending the threats to bird populations, but there is limited scientific evidence about what habitats, bird species or nest types are most at risk and from which predators.

To support research to address the gaps in science, from March 2023 to August 2025 SongBird Survival funded an independent study by the University of East Anglia in collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). This research project involved reviewing available nest camera studies, and comparing the nest types, habitats and predators to ascertain if certain songbird species are at risk from excessive levels of predation. Nest camera studies are invaluable, giving unbiased objective information on nest predation and predator identity.

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The Results

The independent research examined camera studies of over 2,000 wild birds’ nests. A number of research partners provided camera studies for the analysis including the RSPB, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and Working for Waders.

In August 2025, the researchers published a study of their findings:

The study looked at the impact of predation on songbirds, reviewing camera footage of 921 songbird nests, of which 203 predated nests could be analysed. This included the nests of threatened species like the wood warbler, spotted flycatcher and song thrush.
An analysis of songbird predation found that clutches (eggs) were predominantly predated by corvids (31% of events) and mammals, mainly badger, hedgehog and fox (25% combined). In comparison, broods (nestlings) were taken by a wider range of predators, namely the Eurasian jay (23%) and raptors (21%) but also reptiles. There was limited footage of predation events for tree-nesting songbirds.
The research found that magpies and grey squirrels were rarely implicated in songbird nest failure.
The study also looked at over 1,000 wader nests and found that clutches of birds like curlews, lapwings, and oystercatchers were mostly predated by mammals - mainly badgers (42% of predation events for waders) and foxes (23%), with sheep and deer also contributing (6%).
However, the study notes the limited availability of nest camera footage available across different species and habitats. For example, nearly three quarters of songbird nest footage available (73%) was from woodland habitat; this could account for the predominance of jays in predation events. In particular, the researchers note the lack of camera studies available of Galliformes (such as partridge, grouse or pheasants), tree-nesting songbirds and birds from farmland or urban settings.

The study reveals the wide range of predator species involved and shows that nests of different bird species are exposed to very different predators depending on their nesting behaviour and habitat.

Further systematic nest camera studies are important to improve our understanding, particularly for understudied groups and habitats.

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Publication

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ibi.13436

RELATED STUDIES

Broughton, R.K. (2020) Current and future impacts of nest predation and nest-site competition by invasive eastern grey squirrels Sciurus carolinensis on European birds. Mammal Review. 50,1: 38-51. https://doi.org/10.1111/mam.12174

Gautschi, D., Čulina, A., Heinsohn, R., Stojanovic, D., Crates, R. (2024). Protecting wild bird nests against predators: A systematic review and meta-analysis of non-lethal methods. Journal of Applied Ecology, 00, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14619

Mallord, J.W., Orsman, C.J., Cristinacce, A., Butcher, N., Stowe, T.J., Charman, E.C. (2012) Mortality of Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix nests in Welsh Oakwoods: predation rates and the identification of nest predators using miniature nest cameras, Bird Study, 59:3, 286-295, DOI: 10.1080/00063657.2012.669359

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See our publication library for more of our research.