Climate change driving declines in Scotland's birds

Iconic species such as Black Grouse are slipping away, according to a new report.

Some of Scotland's most iconic species, including Western Capercaillie and Black Grouse, are among those declining as a result of climate change, a new report has found.

NatureScot's Scottish Terrestrial Breeding Birds report charts the populations of Scotland's terrestrial breeding birds between 1994 and 2022. It found significant changes to the numbers and species of birds living in the country's urban, woodland, upland and farmland habitats, in large part due to warmer and wetter weather linked to the climate crisis.

Only four of the 66 species monitored remained stable over the 28-year period.


Black Grouse is declining in Scotland, with climate change a major factor (Mark Woodhead).

Black Grouse, Common Kestrel, Greenfinch and Northern Lapwing have each seen their numbers reduced by more than 50% owing to factors including increased rainfall in summer, alongside the expansion of forests and changes to land management practices.

Eurasian Oystercatcher, Rook and Eurasian Skylark are also among those in decline, as is Western Capercaillie. The decline of the last species is thought to be related in part to changing temperatures and patterns of rainfall.

Some species have increased their populations due to warmer summers, attracting those which would not traditionally travel to Scotland. These include Great Spotted Woodpecker, whose numbers have increased by more than 500%, and Eurasian Bullfinch and Eurasian Wren, which have each seen an increase of more than 50%.

Furthermore, Scotland is becoming a place for 'climate refugees' as its temperatures climb closer to those preferred by species used to warmer environments. This includes Willow Warbler, which has increased its population in Scotland by more than 50% since 1994.

Simon Foster, NatureScot trends and indicators analyst, said: "This report shows how our weather today will affect bird populations in future years. With extreme weather such as flooding and heat becoming more prevalent, we must ensure that improving Scotland's nature and habitats uses the latest science to help deliver the best results."