Urgent call to help blackbirds in gardens
Gardeners are being urged to put food out for blackbirds, as a new virus could put them under threat.
Blackbirds are one of the most common British birds, with estimates of around six million breeding pairs in the UK, and are frequently spotted in gardens over winter.
This is because during the winter months, rather than migrating, blackbirds stay in the country – so it’s important to help them during this harsher and colder period by leaving food and providing water.
However, cold temperatures aren't the only thing posing a threat to blackbirds this winter, as an emerging virus means we could see a decline in blackbird populations.
The British Trust for Ornithology has warned of the appearance of the Usutu virus, a new mosquito-borne virus in the UK, which can be fatal to the birds.
While the virus isn’t strictly new – having first made an appearance in 2020 – it’s rapidly spreading in southern Britain amongst the birds and is thought to be linked to climate change.
The Trust said: “Blackbirds are a common bird in gardens across the UK, from rural areas to the hearts of cities. However, in recent years and particularly since 2020, birdwatchers have reported fewer birds being seen in their gardens, especially in London.
“This recent decline has been linked to the appearance of Usutu virus, a new mosquito-borne virus in the UK which is often fatal to blackbirds.
“It was first detected in the UK in London in the summer of 2020, and appears to have since started to spread further in southern Britain. It is prevalent on the near-Continent and its spread has been linked to climate change, which has benefited the mosquitoes which spread the virus.”
The trust says it wants to see if the decrease in blackbird populations recorded in London is happening elsewhere in the UK, too. As a result, it’s appealing to people to take part in a survey, which is due to launch later this year, to record the blackbird numbers for 2025.
While the UK blackbird population is currently stable, the virus means we could see a decline – so garden and wildlife experts are encouraging people to do their bit and help the birds where possible, particularly over winter.
The Woodland Trust explains: “One of the biggest threats is lack of food availability, particularly when the weather is dry.
"Leaving mealworms and ground feeder mix out on bird tables and planting bushes that attract caterpillars to your garden are great ways to help blackbirds.”
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