Every 20 years or so volunteer birdwatchers carry out a complete stock-take of the birds of Britain & Ireland for the Bird Atlas. These major projects are crucial in helping us to understand how our wild bird populations are faring. The published atlas books contain detailed species accounts with statistics for distribution and change. Read the full story on the survey and book that provided the latest data for the maps.
For the first time you can now browse maps for all the species from these atlases. Get started by entering a species (top-right), or browse the full list available. Once you have selected a species you can control which of the available maps you see using the pop-out controls on the left: use the sliders to change the period shown in the map. Click on a map to enlarge it.
These maps should be used in conjunction with the published books which provide vital detail on methods and interpretation. Read more in the Mapstore FAQ.
Beyond the maps is an ambitious two year programme of scientific research. BTO will be using data from Bird Atlas 2007–11 to understand the driving forces behind our changing bird populations to inform conservation action.
The British Trust for Ornithology is the UK’s leading bird research charity. Over 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers contribute their data regularly to the BTO, which combines leading citizen science projects with expert professional analysis. The combination of professional ecologists, long-term datasets (some in excess of 50 years), and volunteers participating all over the country gives the BTO a unique, impartial and knowledgeable voice in nature conservation.
BirdWatch Ireland is Ireland’s largest conservation charity dedicated to the conservation of Ireland’s birds and biodiversity. BirdWatch Ireland is actively using the Irish results of Bird Atlas 2007–11 to further our understanding of the factors that have driven the significant changes shown.
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club brings together like-minded individuals with a passion for birds, nature and conservation through a programme of talks, outings, conferences and via the Club’s journal, Scottish Birds.
© BTO. Maps must not be used or reproduced without prior permission from BTO. Anyone wishing to use these maps and related data should complete a data request form.
Get the full story on the survey and book that provided the data for the maps, or refer to the Mapstore FAQ page.
Help BTO to fund important research using Bird Atlas data.
Over 60,000 volunteer birdwatchers regularly contribute their data to BTO - the UK’s leading bird research charity.
BirdWatch Ireland is actively using Irish results of Bird Atlas 2007–11 to further the conservation of birds and habitats in Ireland.
The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club is a birdwatching club and network of volunteers across Scotland, gathering vital information about Scotland’s wild birds.
