The world’s largest garden wildlife survey, the Big Garden Birdwatch, enjoyed the participation of 650,279 citizen scientists across the UK this year. More than nine million birds of over 80 species were counted during the last weekend of January 2026. The results revealed some good news, but also some worrying facts that have led the RSPB to recommend a new approach to feeding garden birds.
The decline of the greenfinch
The greenfinch, with its twittering, wheezing song and flash of yellow and green, is now on the endangered red list. Today they are in serious decline largely due to disease, in particular trichomonosis. This parasite-induced disease prevents the birds from feeding properly and spreads easily where birds share feeders, particularly in summer and autumn.
Songbird Survival reports that a concentration of birds around feeders can unintentionally pass disease between species. This includes chaffinches and more vulnerable species such as the willow tit. Just one infected bird can turn a busy feeder into a disease hotspot.
Trichomonosis
The disease, first spotted in finches in the UK in 2005, affects the back of the throat and the gullet. This often hinders the ability of affected birds to swallow. The bird may drool saliva and regurgitate food, and that’s where the transmission danger lies. A bird feeding on regurgitated food or drinking contaminated water may contract the disease.
Contaminated food spills from bird tables may pass trichomonosis to woodpigeons, feral pigeons, collared doves, the endangered turtle dove and other species. Birds of prey are not immune if they feed on infected birds.
Trichomonosis goes by the more familiar name of “canker” in pigeons and doves and “frounce” in raptors. Symptoms include lethargy and fluffed-up plumage, difficulty in swallowing or laboured breathing. Finches may have matted wet plumage around the face and beak, while pigeons and doves may exhibit a swelling of the neck. As the disease may progress over several days or even weeks, an affected bird may appear very thin or emaciated.
Feed safely, feed seasonally
With the help of other experts, RSPB scientists have taken a fresh look at what happens when we feed garden birds. There are clear benefits, but also risks. Further research is needed to fully understand the situation.
Feeding garden birds remains hugely beneficial when done safely and at appropriate times of year. The new, science-led guidance is asking the public to adopt simple seasonal changes that will help protect bird health in the long term.
Feed seasonally – Adjust what garden birds are fed during the summer and autumn months when there’s a higher risk of disease spreading:
- From 1 November to 30 April: Provide seeds, peanuts, fat balls, suet and mealworms.
- From 1 May to 31 October: Pause filling bird feeders with seed and peanuts to prevent too many birds gathering in one place.
Feed safely – Keep birds healthy by prioritising hygiene:
- Feed small amounts at a time.
- Clean and move feeders weekly: Give feeders a good clean at least once a week. If possible, place feeders in a different spot after each clean to prevent the build-up of contaminated debris underneath. Any existing debris should be cleared up.
- Change water daily: Only offer water if able to change it every day and make sure it’s tap water. Water baths should also be cleaned weekly.
- Retire flat-surfaced feeders: Research has confirmed that there is a higher risk of the disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect for other birds to eat. This means bidding a fond farewell to feeders that have any flat surfaces – including bird tables.
- If you think a bird has been affected by disease: RSPB advice is to stop feeding for at least two weeks and empty any bird baths. Only start again when there are no signs of sick birds.
Nature friendly gardening
Fortunately, there are powerful, positive ways to support birds without relying on feeders or bird tables. By gardening in a wildlife friendly way, gardeners help birds find their own food. An assortment of flowers, berry bushes, fruit trees, sunflowers, teasels and ivy all provide natural, safer food sources. Such planting, as well as bug hotels, encourage insects which are part of a bird’s natural food chain. Most importantly avoid pesticides.
“Feeding birds is something millions of us love and value,”says RSPB’s chief executive, Beccy Speight. “We’re not asking people to stop feeding, just to feed in a way that protects birds’ long-term health. By making small changes together, we can ensure garden feeding continues to be a positive force for nature.”
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