The status of the UK breeding European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur population in 2021

ABSTRACTCapsule The first UK European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur survey, in 2021, estimated the breeding population at 2092 territories.Aims Changes in European Turtle Dove abundance in the UK have been monitored through schemes like the BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey, however, sample size is now too low to calculate robust trends going forward. The aims of this volunteer-based survey were to provide a new UK population estimate and create a baseline to monitor future population trends.Methods A stratified random sample of one-kilometre squares were surveyed within the core counties for the species. Elsewhere, one-kilometre squares containing recent European Turtle Dove records were targeted. The survey used a two-visit territory mapping approach, with observers asked to get within 200 metres of potentially suitable nesting or foraging habitat. Visits were undertaken in the early morning, to coincide with peak vocal activity, from 11 May to 31 July.Results The UK population estimate in 2021 was 2092 territories (95% confidence limits, 1559–2782). The species has become increasingly restricted to eastern and southeastern England, with 62.5% of the population estimated to occur in three counties: Kent (682 territories; 32.6%), Suffolk (326; 15.6%) and Essex (300; 14.3%). Additional hotspots occurred in other counties in eastern England, up to North Yorkshire.Conclusion This result suggests a 98% decline in abundance since the 1968–1972 breeding atlas, similar to trends identified from UK bird monitoring schemes, and a substantial contraction in range since the 2007–2011 bird atlas. The temporary cessation of hunting along their European western flyway provides a vital window of opportunity to scale up the delivery of high-quality breeding habitat and increase food availability in the UK. The survey should be repeated in 2026, and regularly thereafter, to help monitor the effectiveness of conservation interventions. AcknowledgementsThe authors thank all the volunteers who took part in the survey, without whom such surveys would not be possible: the BTO Regional Representatives, county bird recorders and county bird clubs who helped to organize it, and those landowners who gave access permission. Thanks also to three field staff who were employed on the survey: Stuart Harris, Andrew O’Neill and Simon Papps, as well as Guy Anderson, Keith Betton, Fiona Burns, Chris Dee (Garganey Consulting), Caroline French, Richard Gregory, Sarah Harris, Bethany Kiamil, Eliza Leat, Tony Morris, Jamie Murphy, Emma Stobart and RSPB Reserve staff, for their advice, help and support throughout the project. We also thank the BirdTrack and eBird organizers for sharing Turtle Dove records. BirdTrack is organized by the BTO for the BTO, RSPB, BirdWatch Ireland, SOC and WOS. The National Turtle Dove Survey was a partnership project coordinated by the RSPB, RBBP and Kent Ornithological Society, with support from BTO and Natural England.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis survey was funded by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Natural England through the ‘Action for Birds in England’ partnership.