Wildlife Conservation

Wild Ring Ouzel Conservation

Ring ouzels are mountain blackbirds that have declined significantly in the UK. They breed on upland moorland and face challenges from climate change and habitat degradation.

Key Facts

Ring ouzel populations have declined by approximately 50% in the UK since the 1980s
They breed in upland moorland with bilberry and rocky crags from April to July
Ring ouzels migrate to the Mediterranean and North Africa for winter
Climate change is shifting the upland vegetation zones that ring ouzels depend on
Disturbance at nest sites, particularly from hill walkers, can cause nest abandonment

Welfare Considerations

Ring ouzel welfare depends on undisturbed upland breeding habitat with appropriate bilberry and invertebrate food sources. Human disturbance during nesting directly reduces breeding success.

What You Can Do

Keep to paths and avoid approaching rocky outcrops in upland habitats during the breeding season
Support RSPB and BTO ring ouzel monitoring programmes
Record ring ouzel sightings through upland bird surveys to track population trends