House Sparrows Dominate Bird Count, Blackbird Returns to Top 5
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Loading... - Mikhail Petrov
- 30 Jan 2025
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The National Garden Bird Count in the Netherlands has concluded, with over 90,000 participants reporting more than 1.2 million bird sightings in their gardens and on balconies. The house sparrow once again claimed the top spot, with a remarkable 216,973 sightings, solidifying its status as the most commonly observed bird in Dutch gardens.
Despite its dominance in the count, the house sparrow's population has faced significant declines over the past few decades. Timo Roeke from Vogelbescherming Nederland (Bird Protection Netherlands) noted, "House sparrows typically live in groups of seven. While they remain a common sight, their population has more than halved in recent years." He emphasized the importance of creating bird-friendly environments in gardens, suggesting that planting native species can help improve their habitat.
Following the house sparrow, the great tit secured second place with 154,846 sightings, while the blue tit came in third with 105,576 reports. The blackbird, which once consistently ranked in the top three, has made a comeback to fifth place this year, with over 78,000 sightings. However, the blackbird's population has been adversely affected by an outbreak of the usutu virus, which has led to a notable decline. Vogelbescherming reported that while there are signs of recovery, the blackbird population has not yet fully rebounded.
The top ten birds also included the jackdaw, wood pigeon, and robin. In addition to the common species, this year's bird count revealed several rare sightings, including a crossbill, twelve waxwings, ten water rails, and 73 yellow wagtails. Participants also reported spotting five species of woodpeckers and four types of owls.
Interestingly, blackcaps and chiffchaffs were observed more frequently this year, indicating a shift in behavior as these species, which typically migrate to southern regions for the winter, are increasingly remaining in the Netherlands during colder months.
Overall, the National Garden Bird Count not only highlights the prevalence of certain bird species but also raises awareness about the challenges they face, encouraging efforts to create more supportive habitats for wildlife.
