Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

About: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is a nonprofit organization based out in Sandy, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Biodiversity. The organization has 670 authors who have published 1425 publications receiving 88006 citations. The organization is also known as: RSPB & Plumage League.

Status assessment of the Critically Endangered Azores Bullfinch Pyrrhula murina

Abstract: 'This work was part of the Azores Bullfinch monitoring programme included in the project LIFE NAT/P/000013 “Recovery of Azores Bullfinch’s habitat in the Special Protection Area of Pico da Vara / Ribeira do Guilherme”'

Status of Raso Lark Alauda razae in 2003, with further notes on sex ratio, behaviour and conservation

Abstract: Summary The global population of the Critically Endangered Raso Lark Alauda razae was estimated in January 2003 at 93–103 birds and in November 2003 at 76–87 birds. Of these, only 25–35% were females. Counts were based on observations of individually colour-ringed and measured birds. Birds were not breeding during the January visit, and were concentrated in two small areas at opposite ends of the island of Raso. This distribution differed substantially from that recorded previously during the breeding season. Three different feeding strategies were apparent: flocking, aggregating around key resources and feeding singly or in pairs. Birds moving to new feeding areas immediately adopted the feeding strategy of other birds present. Birds were seen drinking seawater on several occasions. In November 2003, birds were breeding but nest survival was extremely low due to high rates of egg predation. No evidence was detected of introduced predators on Raso. However, a population of feral cats was found on nearby Santa Luzia, prohibiting natural colonization or deliberate introduction of Raso Lark to the island, despite much apparently suitable habitat there. Faecal analyses showed that these cats feed largely on skinks. Increased tourism development on neighbouring islands is identified as a potential threat to the species.

Are changes in breeding habitat responsible for recent population changes of long-distance migrant birds?

Abstract: Capsule: The direction and magnitude of changes in structure of UK woodlands since the 1980s, are inconsistent with them playing a causative role in the declines of four migrant bird species in upland oak woods.Aims: To investigate whether changes in woodland structure were a possible cause of population changes of four Afro-Palearctic migrants (Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix, Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis, Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca and Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus) in the upland oakwoods of western and northern Britain.Methods: Bird population estimates and measures of woodland structure were recorded in two time periods 1982–85 and 2003–04 across six regions of the UK. We modelled the effect of habitat change and initial habitat state on population changes between the two time periods. The predicted effects of habitat change on populations were then compared with observed population changes across the different regions.Results: All four species underwent population declin...

Native woodland creation is associated with increase in a Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix population

Abstract: Capsule: Black Grouse population increases were greatest where new native woodland (NNW) within 1500 m of leks comprised approximately 30% of land area and averaged 5 years old.Aims: To examine whether change in a population of Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix in Scotland was associated with the creation of native woodland.Methods: We examined whether lek location, size and change in size were associated with habitat and topography surrounding leks. We also examined vegetation differences in NNW and adjacent unplanted moorland.Results: From 2002 to 2012 the number of lekking male Black Grouse increased by 90%. Lek occurrence was positively associated with the amount of NNW edge habitat. Leks were larger where there was more adjacent NNW. Lek increases were greatest where NNW plots comprised approximately 30% land area, and were 5 years old, within a 1500 m radius. Plots aged more than approximately 20 years old were associated with Black Grouse population declines. NNW supported taller and denser impor...