Welcome to the British Trust for Ornithology | BTO

A world inspired by birds and informed by science.

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.

Article

BTO Equipment Donation Scheme

BTO is supporting young people across the UK by supplying them with unused or unwanted birdwatching equipment. Share your passion for birdwatching with the next generation.

Publication

Herring Gulls aren't after your chips

New BTO research using GPS tracking reveals that declining Herring Gulls are more likely to be foraging on Mussels than pilfering chips.

Agricultural land, Cambridgeshire. Ailidh Barnes

Blog

The importance of habitat data

Habitat information is vital for understanding how birds use their environment. BTO's Ailidh Barnes explains why in this blog post.

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

BirdTrack

BirdTrack is a free and convenient way of storing your bird records online. BirdTrack lets you keep up to date with what others are seeing, view the latest trends, and contribute your data to BTO science.

Discover More

Join BTO today

Support BTO by becoming a member, and receive a wonderful welcome gift - our great BTO guide to Common British Birds.

Gift memberships are also available.

Join BTO

Bird surveyors. Photograph by Jamie Murray-Grant

Develop your skills

Let us help you to improve your birding, fieldcraft and surveying skills. Browse our range of helpful guides and programme of training courses.

Discover More

More ways we work

Migration blog (22nd – 28th October)

Many bird watchers have been lamenting on what a poor autumn it has been so far for migration, with numbers of common, scarce, and expected rare species down on what would normally be expected.