RSPB Urges Seasonal Bird Feeding to Combat Disease and Population Decline
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued a stark warning about the health of the UK's starling and greenfinch populations, linking their significant declines to diseases that can spread at bird feeders. New data from the charity's Big Garden Birdwatch reveals alarming trends, prompting calls for households to rethink their feeding habits.
Record Lows for Starlings and Greenfinches
According to the 2026 survey, starling numbers have hit record lows for the second year in a row, with a further 3.0% drop this year. Since the citizen science scheme began in 1979, starlings have suffered an 85.1% reduction in population. Although greenfinches saw a modest 2.3% increase in average counts this year, their overall numbers remain two-thirds lower than those recorded in 1979.
Both species are now on the conservation "red list," indicating severe concern for their survival. Starlings, once regularly the most numerous species in the Big Garden Birdwatch before 2000, have plummeted in numbers, while greenfinches have been particularly devastated by trichomonosis, a disease that spreads more easily when birds gather around feeders in summer and autumn.
The Role of Bird Feeders in Disease Spread
RSPB scientists emphasize that bird feeders can become hotspots for disease transmission, especially during warmer months. Beccy Speight, the charity's chief executive, stated: "We're not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds' long-term health." The charity urges households to make seasonal adjustments to when, how, and what food they provide.
Key recommendations include:
- Pausing the use of seeds and peanuts in summer and autumn to prevent overcrowding.
- Providing small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet year-round, as these are safer options.
- Cleaning or moving feeders weekly to reduce disease risk.
- Changing water daily and retiring flat-surfaced feeders, which research shows have a higher risk of disease spread.
Big Garden Birdwatch Results and Broader Trends
This year, over 650,000 people participated in the Big Garden Birdwatch, spending an hour counting birds in gardens or local green spaces during the last weekend in January. The results help conservationists gauge the state of the UK's bird life. The house sparrow retained the top spot, followed by the blue tit, starling, woodpigeon, and blackbird.
While starlings moved from fourth to third place in 2026, this was largely due to fewer woodpigeons being reported, rather than a recovery in starling numbers. The RSPB notes a lack of clear evidence behind the starling decline, though a fall in chicks' survival rates over their first winter may be a contributing factor.
In contrast, some migratory species saw positive trends. The number of redwing and fieldfare recorded surged this year, with average counts rising by 307% and 70% respectively, possibly due to cold and unsettled weather across Europe.
Call to Action for Bird Lovers
Ms. Speight added: "Feeding birds is something millions of us love and value, but the science shows us that birds such as greenfinches have been affected by the spread of disease at feeders. By making small changes together, we can ensure garden feeding continues to be a positive force for nature."
The RSPB's message is clear: proactive, seasonal adjustments to bird feeding practices are essential to safeguard vulnerable species and support the UK's biodiversity. As populations of charismatic birds like starlings and greenfinches continue to dwindle, these measures could play a crucial role in their conservation.
