‘Angry birds’ spotted in gardens

01 Jan 2013 | No. 2013-01

Thousands of Blackcaps, migrant warblers from central Europe, are ruffling feathers in British and Irish gardens. Latest sightings gathered through the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Garden Blackcap Survey are exploring the behaviour of these increasingly spotted ‘angry birds’.

This January, householders are helping the BTO to find out about real ‘angry birds’ in gardens – Blackcaps. Incoming reports, submitted through the charity’s Garden Blackcap Survey, show how this species is often a volatile guest, seeing off Blue Tits, Goldfinches and other similar-sized birds from garden feeding stations.

So far, the only birds to have weathered the frosty reception that is dished out by Blackcaps with much success have been Robins and House Sparrows. Robins are known for their feistiness and so it is unsurprising that they are unwilling to give an inch without a fight. House Sparrows, on the other hand, flock together and are generally faithful to a local patch, and so are well placed to out-compete this new kid on the block.

Behind these fascinating observations is important science. Food provided in British and Irish gardens is thought to be altering the migratory habits of Blackcaps that breed in central Europe. Normally these birds would spend the winter around the Mediterranean but our garden offerings, coupled with our warming winter climate, are enabling an alternative migration route to our shores to grow in strength. Over the past few decades, numbers coming to feeders have increased by several hundred per cent.

Despite the importance of feeders in changing the travelling habits of these birds, no data have yet been collected to investigate the behaviour of Blackcaps in winter gardens. This January the BTO is calling upon householders hosting one or more Blackcaps to choose a day on which to study their behaviour through the Garden Blackcap Survey.

Dr Tim Harrison, Garden Blackcap Survey coordinator, commented: “Blackcaps are elegant garden visitors but they often bring with them considerable attitude! Some are so protective of garden morsels that they defend them even when they are not eating themselves. This may seem pretty unfair to other garden birds but perhaps underlines the importance of garden feeders to the survival of Blackcaps.”

He added: “Numbers of Blackcaps in gardens are increasing rapidly and reached a record high for the month of December in 2012. With so many of these eye-catching birds currently around, now is a great time for us to find out more about their behaviour. Please take a few minutes this January to let the BTO know what the Blackcaps in your garden are up to through our Garden Blackcap Survey.”

To take part in the Garden Blackcap Survey, visit www.bto.org/gbw or telephone 01842-750050 for a paper recording form.

Notes for Editors

  1. Garden Blackcap Survey: for more information and to take part please visit: www.bto.org/gbw. For more information on Blackcaps, visit the BTO Garden BirdWatch webpages and BTO BirdFacts.
  2. The BTO is the UK's leading bird research organisation. Over thirty thousand birdwatchers contribute to the BTO's surveys. They collect information that forms the basis of conservation action in the UK. The BTO maintains a staff of 100 at its offices in Norfolk,  Stirling and Bangor, who analyse and publicise the results of project work. The BTO's investigations are funded by government, industry and conservation organisations.

Contact Details

Dr Tim Harrison
(Garden Blackcap Survey coordinator)
Office: 01842 750050
(9am to 5.30pm)
Email: tim.harrison [at] bto.org

Paul Stancliffe
(BTO Media Manager)
Office: 01842 750050
(9am to 5.30pm)
Mobile: 07585 440910 (anytime)
Email: press [at] bto.org

Images are available for use alongside this News Release.  Please contact images [at] bto.org quoting reference 2013-01

The BTO has an ISDN line available for radio interviews.  Please contact us to book an interview
Office: 01842 750050

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