Bird experts have warned of a dramatic fall in the number of the Dartford warbler Sylvia undata. The Rare Breeding Birds Panel (RBBP) has said in its latest report that the heathland bird “has suffered a dramatic population decline at some of its most important breeding sites in South-east England.” In 2004, there were almost 1,000 pairs in the Thames Basin and Wealden Heaths. Sadly, in 2010, just 50 pairs of Dartford warblers were reported across areas of Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex. Dartford Warblers are named after Dartford Heath in Kent. These warblers are insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, butterflies, beetles, spiders, etc., but will also take berries.
Sources: Redhill and Reigate Life, 16 July 2012
http://www.redhillandreigatelife.co.uk/news/9819534.Experts_warn_of_dra…
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartford_Warbler
- Log in to post comments