Wildlife

Ring Ouzel Welfare on Mountain Moorland

Ring ouzels are the mountain equivalent of the blackbird, breeding on moorland crags and steep-sided valleys in upland Britain before migrating to North Africa.

Key Facts

Ring ouzels have declined by around 40% in the UK since the 1980s
They breed on steep-sided moorland valleys with rocky outcrops and berry-bearing plants
Berries such as crowberry and bilberry are critical fuelling resources on autumn migration
Climate-driven shrinkage of suitable cool upland conditions is a long-term threat

Welfare Considerations

Ring ouzel welfare is affected by changes to upland moorland management and climate-driven habitat shifts. Overgrazing reduces berry-bearing plants essential for migration fuelling, while bracken encroachment reduces suitable breeding habitat. Cool, moist upland conditions are increasingly limited by warming temperatures.

What You Can Do

Support upland grazing management that retains moorland berries and grass sward variety
Campaign for sustainable moorland management that balances grouse management with biodiversity
Record ring ouzel sightings via BTO BirdTrack during breeding and migration periods
Support upland conservation charities working on mountain bird habitats