Wild Ring Ouzel Upland Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Ring ouzels are declining UK mountain thrushes that breed on upland moorland - their welfare depends on undisturbed heathery hillsides.

Key Facts

Ring ouzels are the UK's mountain thrush breeding on upland moorland and rocky hillsides
UK populations have declined by over 35% since 1995 with the cause not fully understood
They are sensitive to disturbance near nest sites in steep rocky terrain
Diet includes earthworms, berries, and invertebrates requiring diverse moorland habitats
They winter in the Atlas Mountains of North Africa facing similar conservation challenges to corncrakes
Climate change is affecting heather phenology and invertebrate availability on breeding grounds

Welfare Considerations

Ring ouzel welfare at breeding sites depends on undisturbed access to steep rocky terrain with diverse food resources. Their declining numbers suggest welfare and reproductive success are compromised, though the precise mechanisms are not fully understood. Upland conservation management that maintains habitat diversity and reduces disturbance benefits ring ouzels.

What You Can Do

Support RSPB and BTO ring ouzel research and monitoring programmes
Maintain quiet distances from ring ouzel nest sites in upland areas
Participate in BTO atlas and breeding bird survey to contribute ring ouzel distribution data
Advocate for sustainable upland management that maintains diverse habitat for breeding birds
Visit upland reserves in spring and early summer to observe ring ouzels and support conservation tourism