Welcome to the British Trust for Ornithology | BTO

A world inspired by birds and informed by science.

Making birdwatching count

We empower 60,000 bird-enthusiasts to gather vital data, develop their skills and be part of a vibrant community.

Championing impartial science

We answer the most pressing questions about birds, through our thorough and impartial scientific research.

Sharing our bird knowledge

We communicate our knowledge and expertise to increase the value of birds and other wildlife for all.

Article

BTO Equipment Donation Scheme

BTO is supporting young people across the UK by supplying them with unused or unwanted birdwatching equipment. Share your passion for birdwatching with the next generation.

Publication

Citizen science reveals patterns in Pied Flycatcher breeding

New research uses data from BirdTrack and the Nest Record Scheme to investigate how adaptable breeding Pied Flycatchers are to a changing climate.

Article

Birds and pollution — a masterclass

Increasing human activity brings more pollution into the environment. This can take many forms and can affect birds in a number of ways, as Nina O'Hanlon explains.

Find a project

Use our project finder to find the project that matches your level of bird expertise and the time you have available.

Start

Nesting Neighbours

Do you think you might have birds nesting in your garden? Could you take a closer look and find out? By monitoring nests through the breeding season you could gather hugely valuable information.

Discover More

Join BTO today

Support BTO by becoming a member, and receive a wonderful welcome gift - our great BTO guide to Common British Birds.

Gift memberships are also available.

Join BTO

Bird surveyors. Photograph by Jamie Murray-Grant

Develop your skills

Let us help you to improve your birding, fieldcraft and surveying skills. Browse our range of helpful guides and programme of training courses.

Discover More

More ways we work

National offices

Representing BTO in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Andy Clements meeting with Westland Horticulture

BTO partnerships

The organisations we work with to achieve our charitable aims.

Fitting a Goshawk with a GPS tracking device

BTO Consulting

Bringing our expertise and advice to industry, within the UK and abroad.

Our future? It's in your hands

We are developing a youth engagement programme to discover our surveyors of the future.

Willow Warbler, photograph by Jill Pakenham

News

BirdTrends 2020 published

The BTO's BirdTrends report is a one-stop shop for information about the population status of the common breeding birds of the wider UK countryside.