RSPB bird feeders warning: Why feeding the birds is contributing to their decline - how to feed them safely

Following the RSPB’s long-running Big Garden Birdwatch this year, the numbers of two birds in particular remain a concern to the birds conservation charity, and the way you are feeding the birds could be contributing to their decline. The UK’s population of greenfinches and starlings continue to suffer a long-term decline in numbers spotted during the citizen science scheme.

Starlings saw the number of average counts per garden hit record lows for the second year running after decreasing a further 3.0% in this year’s birdwatch. The RSPB said the species has seen an 85.1% decline since the scheme began in 1979.

Meanwhile, greenfinches saw the average count rise slightly by 2.3% this year but the charity said the number is still two-thirds lower than in 1979.

RSPB bird feeding advice

RSPB scientists said the songbirds are among the species at risk from diseases that can spread at bird feeders and are urging households to make adjustments to when, how and what food they provide. Beccy Speight, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We’re not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds’ long-term health.”

Greenfinches have seen their population particularly devastated by the disease trichomonosis, which spreads more easily when birds gather around feeders in summer and autumn. The songbird is also on the conservation “red list”, with other UK-wide surveys indicating a loss of more than two million birds since the mid-1990s.

Ms Speight said: “Feeding birds is something millions of us love and value but the science shows us that birds such as greenfinches have been affected by the spread of disease at feeders. By making small changes together, we can ensure garden feeding continues to be a positive force for nature.”

The charity’s experts said households should feed birds seasonally, adjusting what goes into feeders during the summer and autumn months when the risk of disease spreading is higher. This could include a pause on seed and peanuts to prevent too many birds gathering in one place, although small amounts of mealworms, fat balls or suet are safe to provide year-round.

Other recommendations include cleaning or moving feeders weekly, changing water daily and retiring flat-surfaced feeders after research found a higher risk of disease spread on flat surfaces, including bird tables.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 results

This year, more than 650,000 people took part in the birdwatch, which involves spending an hour counting birds in a garden or local green space during the last weekend in January. The results can help conservationists gauge how the country’s birdlife is faring.

The house sparrow held on to the top spot and the blue tit remained at number two again this year, followed by starling in third, woodpigeon in fourth and blackbird in fifth. While starlings jumped from fourth to third place for the most commonly spotted species in 2026, it was largely because fewer woodpigeons were reported compared to last year, the RSPB said.