The RBBP coordinates recording and collates the data on the breeding status, abundance and distribution of over 200 species of rare breeding birds in the UK - that is, species which have fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs. The RBBP’s remit also covers rare non-native breeding birds with a breeding population of fewer than 300 pairs.
Background
RBBP is an independent panel of ornithological experts, made up of representatives from JNCC, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), and a number of ornithological specialists. JNCC has been a core funder and an active member of RBBP since its establishment as an independent organisation in 1973.
RBBP would not be possible without the dedication and support of hundreds of talented volunteers. In total, 180 native species and 41 non-native species have been recorded since the scheme began. Around 5,000 dedicated birdwatchers, ornithologists and conservationists report around 25,000-30,000 pairs of rare breeding birds every year. Assuming that each person spends just one day per year recording birds, the value of these contributions would be in excess of £760,000. While it is not possible to make accurate estimates, we know that this is most certainly an under-estimate of the time that these dedicated individuals contribute, making the actual value well in excess of a million pounds.
Why do we monitor rare breeding birds?
The UK is home to many rare bird species that have fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs. Many are only occasional breeders, but around 80 rare species are annual breeders, and in any given year there may be 95–110 rare breeding species in the UK. Due to their vulnerability, many of these species are the focus of national and international conservation efforts. It is therefore vital that we have a clear understanding of the abundance, distribution and breeding success of these species to be able to target appropriate conservation measures. Monitoring rare non-native species is also important to track colonisation of new species into the UK.
Because of their rarity, the survey methods of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) that involve random sampling are not suited to these species, which is why a different way of recording these rare and scarce species is needed. The RBBP and BBS are complementary recording schemes and, between them, cover just about all breeding bird species in the UK, with the exception of seabirds (which are covered by the Seabird Monitoring Programme) and a few species of remote habitats.
Historically, recording of rare birds in the UK was uncoordinated with poor coverage, data quality and storage. The RBBP collates records of rare breeding birds in a more coordinated, standardised and robust way to reduce these challenges. As a result, we have a better understanding of these species’ distributions, breeding and abundance, and are able to produce trends for around 70 species. These records and trends enable us to monitor, for example, the increase in population and distribution of Osprey, and chart the continued decline of the Turtle Dove now that it is too rare to be monitored by BBS.
The RBBP data contribute to national and international conservation targets and commitments, as well as informing site-specific management decisions to aid in the protection of these rare species and the sites that they rely on.
At a national scale, RBBP data are used in UK Biodiversity Indicators C4a and C5, and form an important part of reviews of the UK’s Special Protection Area network, Birds of Conservation Concern assessments and the State of the UK’s Birds and State of Nature reports.
Internationally, RBBP data are used in conservation reporting requirements, such as for reporting under the Berne Convention.
Sampling approach/how are the data collected?
The RBBP operates differently to many of the other national monitoring schemes – instead of running national surveys, the Panel collates reports of breeding activity/behaviour on all of the qualifying species submitted by birdwatchers, ornithologists and members of the public to a network of County Bird Recorders. In addition to this main means of data collection, which provides about 65% of the RBBP’s data, records are collated from other sources such as ringing, nest recording, and species-specific surveys (such as for Turtle Dove and Hen Harrier). Different data streams are treated carefully to prevent duplications where possible.
To make data comparable, it is important that birds and their behaviours are recorded in standardised ways. The RBBP recommends the standard monitoring methods set out in Bird Monitoring Methods, and additionally provide guidance on how the standard definitions for breeding activity defined by European Bird Census Council (‘Possible breeding’, ‘Probable breeding’ and ‘Confirmed breeding’) can be applied to different species. The RBBP uses a variety of channels to encourage more and better recording and reporting of rare breeding birds.
How and where data/results are available to stakeholders
Because all of these species are rare, the exact nesting locations are not publicised to protect the birds. Annual trends and county summaries are published every autumn in the journal British Birds and are made available on the RBBP website. Anyone requiring more detailed data should discuss their requirements with the Panel Secretary who oversees the full database. In recent years data have been made available for a wide range of conservation and research purposes.
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