Wildlife

Turtle Dove: England Most Endangered Bird

The turtle dove has declined by over 98 percent in England making it the country most threatened farmland bird.

Key Facts

Turtle dove populations fell by 98 percent in England between 1970 and 2020
They are a legally hunted migratory species in several Mediterranean countries
The species needs taller seed-rich weedy plants for nesting and feeding
Turtle doves migrate to sub-Saharan West Africa each winter
Shooting on migration is estimated to kill hundreds of thousands annually

Welfare Considerations

Turtle doves suffer from multiple stressors across their entire lifecycle. On UK breeding grounds, loss of arable weeds has eliminated food sources. During migration, birds face illegal and legal hunting. In African wintering grounds, drought and habitat loss add further pressure. The combination creates a welfare crisis affecting birds at every stage of life.

What You Can Do

Support Operation Turtle Dove which works with farmers to restore nesting habitat
Contact your MP to support EU-wide moratorium on turtle dove hunting
Buy British food produced under high-tier agri-environment schemes
Donate to or volunteer with RSPB turtle dove recovery projects
Join BTO surveys to help track the remaining UK population