Our science

Topics

BTO science covers two important aspects: monitoring and research. Our integration of the two is a significant strength of the organisation. We combine the skills and passion of birdwatchers with innovative analyses and the latest data-gathering technology. We deliver science that is impartial, impactful and relevant, informing the management of the natural world.

Collecting evidence

BTO coordinates over 60,000 dedicated volunteers to collect biological data to build robust, long-term datasets.

Innovative methods

BTO's staff of expert scientists are constantly developing better methods to capture and analyse high quality data.

Policy impacts

BTO informs sound conservation policy & practice via the production of high-impact impartial publications.

Publication

Avian malaria linked to decline in London's House Sparrows

The once ubiquitous House Sparrow is now absent from many urban areas. New research suggests that malarial parasites may be involved in this decline.

News

Scottish owl tracked to Morocco

A Short-eared Owl, fitted with a satellite tag whilst breeding in Scotland, has been tracked to Morocco.

Fitting a Goshawk with a GPS tracking device

Publication

A world informed by science: the impact of BTO in 2012–18

An assessment of the impact of BTO science over the period 2012–2018, this report was part of the evidence provided to an independent expert review panel.

Focal research areas

Projects

Publications

BTO data

BTO Consulting

Case studies

Meet our national teams

BTO has offices based in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, providing local habitat and species expertise for our scientific research, and closer support for volunteers across the UK.

Find out more

Featured appeal

Chaffinch Appeal

The UK breeding population of Chaffinch has fallen by a quarter in just five years - we urgently need your help to understand why.

Learn more