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Posted: 15th January 2024

Scotland’s changing bird species reveal climate change impact
There has been a more than 500 per cent increase in great spotted woodpeckers.
Warmer and wetter weather has changed the populations living in the country.

New statistics on Scotland’s changing bird populations have reflected the impact that climate change has had on the prominence of different species.

The country’s wetter summers and warmer winters, caused by climate change, have resulted in significant increases of some bird species, and decreases of others.

A report, conducted by NatureScot, has identified that 18 out of 23 species on the Scottish woodland indicator have seen population increases since 1994. This has included an over 500 per cent increase in chiffchaffs, blackcaps and great spotted woodpeckers.

There have also been increases of more than 50 per cent for the bullfinch, great tit, wren, tree pipit, song thrush and willow warbler.

The increase in willow warblers especially reflects changes in Scotland’s climate. The higher temperatures have meant Scotland has become a ‘climate refuge’ for many species, as it reaches the birds’ preferred temperatures.

Farmland birds have seen significant long-term increases, with a 358 per cent increase in goldfinches, 128 per cent increase in whitethroats and 120 per cent increase in great tits. These species are now twice as abundant as they were in 1994.

However some farmland birds had suffered a decrease in their population numbers, including an over 50 per cent decrease in kestrels, greenfinches and lapwings.

Upland birds were most affected by the effects of climate change, particularly due to the increased rainfall in the summer. Of the 17 species on the list, 12 have seen a decline since 1994.

This includes an over 50 per cent drop in black grouse, curlews and dotterels, due to climate change, forest expansion and changing land management practices.

Simon Foster, trends and indicators analyst at NatureScot, said: “The report shows how our weather today will affect bird populations in future years.

“With extreme weather such as flooding and heat becoming more prevalent, we must ensure that improving Scotland’s nature and habitats uses the latest science to help deliver the best results. Working with volunteers and scientists gives us the vital information needed to do this.”

Image © Shutterstock



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