Welcome to the British Trust for Ornithology | BTO

A world inspired by birds and informed by science.

Read the BTO view on participating in surveys during the Coronavirus pandemic. This statement was last updated on 6 July, in response to the latest government guidance.

Making birdwatching count

We empower 60,000 bird-enthusiasts to gather vital data, develop their skills and be part of a vibrant community.

Championing impartial science

We answer the most pressing questions about birds, through our thorough and impartial scientific research.

Sharing our bird knowledge

We communicate our knowledge and expertise to increase the value of birds and other wildlife for all.

Chaffinch and Greenfinch. Edmund Fellowes

Case Study

What we can learn from 25 years of watching gardens

Exploring the value of a complete quarter-century of weekly garden bird observations from BTO's Garden BirdWatch covering the length and breadth of the country.

Project

Track our Cuckoos as they migrate

The Cuckoo Tracking Project has been revealing new discoveries about how British Cuckoos migrate, and the challenges they face. Follow and support this ground-breaking project.

News

Support the Red Sixty Seven

Red Sixty Seven is a collaboration between 67 authors and 67 artists with a single goal: to raise funds to support conservation work aiming to reverse the declines of our most at-risk birds.

Find a project

Use our project finder to find the project that matches your level of bird expertise and the time you have available.

Start

WeBS counting. Photograph by Teresa Frost

Wetland Bird Survey

The Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) monitors non-breeding waterbirds in the UK.

Discover More

News

Vanishing Terns on the Skerries

The UK's largest Arctic Tern breeding colony has been abandoned, and BTO scientists are asking the public for help to work out where these birds have gone.