RSPB Science
@rspbscience.bsky.social
Research, reports, and citizen science from the RSPB Centre for Conservation Science
Did you know? Some birds have dexterous feet
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
November 7, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Did you know? Some birds have dexterous feet
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
By having two toes forward, and two back instead of the 3v1 system of many birds, parrots, owls and some woodpeckers, can handle food and climb on vertical surfaces easier
#ScienceFactFriday
Reposted by RSPB Science
Our report for 2023 is out now in @britishbirds.bsky.social. There's a summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... but if you prefer to watch rather than read then here's RBBP secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social with a few key points and some lovely photos! #ornithology #ukbirds youtu.be/arj1m7NfKmY
Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023
YouTube video by Rare Breeding Birds Panel
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Our report for 2023 is out now in @britishbirds.bsky.social. There's a summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... but if you prefer to watch rather than read then here's RBBP secretary @markaeaton.bsky.social with a few key points and some lovely photos! #ornithology #ukbirds youtu.be/arj1m7NfKmY
Reposted by RSPB Science
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
November 4, 2025 at 10:51 AM
The latest report from the RBBP, Rare Breeding Birds in the UK in 2023, is out now in British Birds. It reports on the 104 species and races of rare breeding birds recording breeding, or showing signs of breeding, in 2023. Read the summary at rbbp.org.uk/2023-report-... #ornithology #ukbirds 🧵[1/15]
#ScienceFactFriday spooky edition!
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
October 31, 2025 at 9:30 AM
#ScienceFactFriday spooky edition!
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
Did you know? Many owls and nightjars have mirror eyes
The reason some nocturnal birds' eyes shine in the dark is because they have a set of cells at the back of their eye (called a tapetum lucidum) which act as a mirror, helping them see in lower light.
We're hiring 🧪🌍
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
October 29, 2025 at 11:10 AM
We're hiring 🧪🌍
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
Two amazing senior science opportunities in Northern Ireland
Seabird Scientist: Tagging, tracking and monitoring to inform marine policy in NI
tinyurl.com/yeuw5znd
Conservation Scientist: Restoration of key habitats and priority species
tinyurl.com/4rj43dfp
New PhD opportunity:
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
October 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
New PhD opportunity:
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
Balancing the trade-offs between conservation and restoration in woodland creation and wader protection
Details here: iapetus.ac.uk/studentships...
@chrissuthy.bsky.social
@ps-wildlife-res.bsky.social
@naturescot.bsky.social
@rspbscience.bsky.social
📷Ben Andrew
New research 🌍🧪
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
October 24, 2025 at 3:42 PM
New research 🌍🧪
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
Organisations need to prioritise relationship building and understanding local context in order to improve social equity in climate mitigation schemes
Read on for a summary
Open access paper: doi.org/10.2458/jpe....
(1/5)
📷Nick Williams
@accessnetwork.bsky.social
Did you know? Gannets' nostrils are in their mouths
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
October 24, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Did you know? Gannets' nostrils are in their mouths
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
By having their nostrils in the corner of their mouths they are protected from water gushing in when they dive at high speeds, hunting for fish at sea
#ScienceFactFriday
Spotted Flycatchers declined by 88% between 1970-2018, could low reproductive productivity be the cause?
Read on for a summary of new RSPB research
Full paper:
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
(1/5)
Read on for a summary of new RSPB research
Full paper:
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
(1/5)
Inadequate reproductive success is a potential cause of Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) population decline in England
Most demographic studies of multi-brooded species require information on breeding success per nesting attempt and the number of nesting attempts made to derive a measure of whole-season productivity....
doi.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Spotted Flycatchers declined by 88% between 1970-2018, could low reproductive productivity be the cause?
Read on for a summary of new RSPB research
Full paper:
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
(1/5)
Read on for a summary of new RSPB research
Full paper:
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
(1/5)
Reposted by RSPB Science
Berwick Bank could kill more birds than any other windfarm on Earth, devastating colonies of Gannets, Puffins and Kittiwakes off Scotland’s coast. 🚨
We support renewables, but not at catastrophic cost to seabirds already in crisis.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3JE...
We support renewables, but not at catastrophic cost to seabirds already in crisis.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3JE...
Add your voice to a campaign to stop an offshore wind farm that threatens seabirds
YouTube video by RSPB
www.youtube.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Berwick Bank could kill more birds than any other windfarm on Earth, devastating colonies of Gannets, Puffins and Kittiwakes off Scotland’s coast. 🚨
We support renewables, but not at catastrophic cost to seabirds already in crisis.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3JE...
We support renewables, but not at catastrophic cost to seabirds already in crisis.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3JE...
Did you know? Whiffling helps birds land safely
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
October 17, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Did you know? Whiffling helps birds land safely
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
When some birds, like geese and other waterfowl, come into land they zig-zag and swerve, losing height quickly (whiffling). This behaviour is thought to help avoid predators
#ScienceFactFriday
Last chance to apply for this exciting job opportunity in our International Conservation Science team
Applications close Monday 20th Oct
🌍🧪
Applications close Monday 20th Oct
🌍🧪
New job alert: An amazing opportunity - our International science team are hiring for a 2yr position (initially) for an experienced scientist to work on tropical forest conservation 🌍🧪
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Nick Williams/RSPB
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Nick Williams/RSPB
October 16, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Last chance to apply for this exciting job opportunity in our International Conservation Science team
Applications close Monday 20th Oct
🌍🧪
Applications close Monday 20th Oct
🌍🧪
Want to see our conservation scientists in action?
Join them on an expedition to North Rona and the Flannan Isles where this summer they were surveying Leach's Petrel populations 🧪🌍🪶
Watch the film here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEQm...
Join them on an expedition to North Rona and the Flannan Isles where this summer they were surveying Leach's Petrel populations 🧪🌍🪶
Watch the film here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEQm...
Take a wild journey to remote Scottish islands with an RSPB team searching for a remarkable seabird
YouTube video by RSPB
www.youtube.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:10 AM
Want to see our conservation scientists in action?
Join them on an expedition to North Rona and the Flannan Isles where this summer they were surveying Leach's Petrel populations 🧪🌍🪶
Watch the film here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEQm...
Join them on an expedition to North Rona and the Flannan Isles where this summer they were surveying Leach's Petrel populations 🧪🌍🪶
Watch the film here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEQm...
Job vacancy 🧪
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
October 14, 2025 at 8:43 AM
Job vacancy 🧪
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
Principal Conservation Scientist, RSPB Cymru
Can you provide the evidence needed to save and restore the iconic species and landscapes of Wales?
Deadline: 3rd Nov
Location: Flexible within Wales
Duration: Permanent
Apply here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Jake Stephen
This #WorldMigratoryBird day why not join us on a trip down memory lane…
Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶
#ResearchRewind
Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶
#ResearchRewind
October 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
This #WorldMigratoryBird day why not join us on a trip down memory lane…
Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶
#ResearchRewind
Read on to hear about some of RSPB science’s work on migratory species in the last few years 🪶
#ResearchRewind
Connection with nature can benefit our mental health and biodiversity, but how can conservation orgs and healthcare providers work together more effectively?
Read on to find out 🧪
Full study: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
#WorldMentalHealthDay
Read on to find out 🧪
Full study: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
#WorldMentalHealthDay
In a mental-health care setting, can nature conservation and health priorities align?
There is growing evidence that activities in nature could meet both health and nature conservation goals. Consequently, there is growing interest in collaborations between health and nature conserv...
www.tandfonline.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Connection with nature can benefit our mental health and biodiversity, but how can conservation orgs and healthcare providers work together more effectively?
Read on to find out 🧪
Full study: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
#WorldMentalHealthDay
Read on to find out 🧪
Full study: www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
#WorldMentalHealthDay
Slender-billed Curlew declared officially extinct by ICUN
This marks the first known global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia 🌍
Read on for a summary or check out the research which led to the decision here:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
This marks the first known global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia 🌍
Read on for a summary or check out the research which led to the decision here:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Global extinction of Slender‐billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris)
In the current biodiversity crisis, conservation efforts are often focused on extinction prevention. However, it can be difficult to determine if a species is extinct, especially if the species has…
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Slender-billed Curlew declared officially extinct by ICUN
This marks the first known global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia 🌍
Read on for a summary or check out the research which led to the decision here:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
This marks the first known global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia 🌍
Read on for a summary or check out the research which led to the decision here:
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Did you know? Most birds can see in UV
Unlike humans, birds have an extra type of light receptor in their eye allowing them to see into the UV spectrum, this can help them spot food and make feathers look more distinctive.
#ScienceFactFriday
Unlike humans, birds have an extra type of light receptor in their eye allowing them to see into the UV spectrum, this can help them spot food and make feathers look more distinctive.
#ScienceFactFriday
October 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Did you know? Most birds can see in UV
Unlike humans, birds have an extra type of light receptor in their eye allowing them to see into the UV spectrum, this can help them spot food and make feathers look more distinctive.
#ScienceFactFriday
Unlike humans, birds have an extra type of light receptor in their eye allowing them to see into the UV spectrum, this can help them spot food and make feathers look more distinctive.
#ScienceFactFriday
Did you know? Some bird noses leak salt
Seabirds like Fulmars and storm petrels, drink seawater and use glands at the top of their beak to excrete excess salt, their tube-shaped nostrils then help funnel it away from their eyes.
#ScienceFactFriday
Seabirds like Fulmars and storm petrels, drink seawater and use glands at the top of their beak to excrete excess salt, their tube-shaped nostrils then help funnel it away from their eyes.
#ScienceFactFriday
October 3, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Did you know? Some bird noses leak salt
Seabirds like Fulmars and storm petrels, drink seawater and use glands at the top of their beak to excrete excess salt, their tube-shaped nostrils then help funnel it away from their eyes.
#ScienceFactFriday
Seabirds like Fulmars and storm petrels, drink seawater and use glands at the top of their beak to excrete excess salt, their tube-shaped nostrils then help funnel it away from their eyes.
#ScienceFactFriday
Inspired by last month's #InternationalVultureAwarenessDay ?
Why not join in the Bearded Vulture International Observation Days (IOD) 🪶
When: 11th Oct
Where: Alps, French Pyrenees, Massif Central, Andalusia, Maestrazgo and Bulgaria
Register here: 4vultures.org/blog/volunte...
Why not join in the Bearded Vulture International Observation Days (IOD) 🪶
When: 11th Oct
Where: Alps, French Pyrenees, Massif Central, Andalusia, Maestrazgo and Bulgaria
Register here: 4vultures.org/blog/volunte...
Volunteers needed: Join the 20th Bearded Vulture International Observation Days 2025 (IOD) - Vulture Conservation Foundation
Grab your binoculars and head outdoors to help monitor one of Europe’s rarest and most impressive birds of prey! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Bearded Vulture International Observation D...
4vultures.org
October 2, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Inspired by last month's #InternationalVultureAwarenessDay ?
Why not join in the Bearded Vulture International Observation Days (IOD) 🪶
When: 11th Oct
Where: Alps, French Pyrenees, Massif Central, Andalusia, Maestrazgo and Bulgaria
Register here: 4vultures.org/blog/volunte...
Why not join in the Bearded Vulture International Observation Days (IOD) 🪶
When: 11th Oct
Where: Alps, French Pyrenees, Massif Central, Andalusia, Maestrazgo and Bulgaria
Register here: 4vultures.org/blog/volunte...
Did you know? Plumicorns aren't for hearing
The long, pointy feathers on some owls' heads are neither horns not ears, but specialised feathers called plumicorns. Their function is not yet fully understood but could help with camouflage
#ScienceFactFriday
The long, pointy feathers on some owls' heads are neither horns not ears, but specialised feathers called plumicorns. Their function is not yet fully understood but could help with camouflage
#ScienceFactFriday
September 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Did you know? Plumicorns aren't for hearing
The long, pointy feathers on some owls' heads are neither horns not ears, but specialised feathers called plumicorns. Their function is not yet fully understood but could help with camouflage
#ScienceFactFriday
The long, pointy feathers on some owls' heads are neither horns not ears, but specialised feathers called plumicorns. Their function is not yet fully understood but could help with camouflage
#ScienceFactFriday
Reposted by RSPB Science
Very pleased to be a part of this research contribution into the ongoing impact of HPAI on seabirds; led by @sue-lewis.bsky.social alongside fellow authors from @rspbscience.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social & @seabirdcentre.bsky.social
🪹 | Seabirds that survived recent bird flu outbreaks have continued to reproduce, although overall breeding performance remains notably low, according to a new study.
The study has looked at breeding success in Northern Gannets at two locations during 2023.
🔗 orlo.uk/44CaS
📸 Dave Pressland
The study has looked at breeding success in Northern Gannets at two locations during 2023.
🔗 orlo.uk/44CaS
📸 Dave Pressland
September 25, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Very pleased to be a part of this research contribution into the ongoing impact of HPAI on seabirds; led by @sue-lewis.bsky.social alongside fellow authors from @rspbscience.bsky.social @rspbengland.bsky.social @ukceh.bsky.social & @seabirdcentre.bsky.social
New technology may aid seabird monitoring in difficult to access populations but managing high volumes of data output is essential 🪶
Read the new paper here:
doi.org/10.1093/ices...
Read the new paper here:
doi.org/10.1093/ices...
Opportunities and challenges for new technologies in seabird population monitoring
Abstract. Monitoring of seabird population size and demography has for decades relied on observer-based methods. While such methods have allowed the accumu
academic.oup.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
New technology may aid seabird monitoring in difficult to access populations but managing high volumes of data output is essential 🪶
Read the new paper here:
doi.org/10.1093/ices...
Read the new paper here:
doi.org/10.1093/ices...
Latest government stats show a continued decline in many bird species across the UK 🪶🧪
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
Wild bird populations in the UK and England, 1970 to 2024
www.gov.uk
September 23, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Latest government stats show a continued decline in many bird species across the UK 🪶🧪
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
www.gov.uk/government/s...
These data are made possible by the dedication of expert volunteers, allowing us to track common bird populations for >50 years
New job alert: An amazing opportunity - our International science team are hiring for a 2yr position (initially) for an experienced scientist to work on tropical forest conservation 🌍🧪
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Nick Williams/RSPB
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Nick Williams/RSPB
September 18, 2025 at 10:12 AM
New job alert: An amazing opportunity - our International science team are hiring for a 2yr position (initially) for an experienced scientist to work on tropical forest conservation 🌍🧪
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Nick Williams/RSPB
Full details here: app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Car...
📷Nick Williams/RSPB