The turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) is experiencing the most rapid decline of any bird breeding in the UK, having lost 98% of its population since 1970. Emergency conservation action is urgently needed for this iconic summer visitor.
Turtle dove populations have crashed from approximately 125,000 territories in 1970 to fewer than 2,500 territories currently. This represents a 98% population decline in 50 years—one of the most dramatic declines of any British bird. The species now breeds primarily in parts of East Anglia, Kent, and other southeastern counties. At current rates of decline, extinction of the UK breeding population within a decade is not inconceivable without intervention.
Multiple factors contribute: loss of annual arable weeds providing seed food (particularly fumitory, the preferred dietary plant); reduced nesting scrub from hedgerow removal; hunting pressure during migration through Mediterranean countries; and changes at African wintering grounds. Agricultural intensification eliminating arable weeds is considered the primary UK factor—turtle doves feed almost exclusively on small seeds, primarily fumitory, which has declined dramatically with herbicide use.
Operation Turtle Dove—an RSPB, Natural England, and farming partnership—delivers targeted conservation measures on farms within the turtle dove range. Measures include: creating supplementary feeding areas with turtle dove preferred seed plants; maintaining and managing scrub for nesting; providing open water drinking sites; and collaborating with farmers through agri-environment agreements. Evidence from farms implementing these measures shows local population stabilisation, but scaling up is essential for population recovery.
Addressing hunting pressure during migration—particularly through Malta, Cyprus, and parts of the Mediterranean—requires international cooperation. RSPB and BirdLife International campaigns have achieved reduced hunting bag sizes in some countries. Working with African wintering range countries to maintain wintering habitat addresses the full annual cycle. The turtle dove's recovery requires sustained international cooperation across breeding, migration, and wintering areas simultaneously.