House Sparrow has once again emerged as the UK’s most recorded garden bird, according to results from the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch.
More than 650,000 people took part in the survey – the world’s largest garden wildlife count – recording in excess of nine million birds across more than 80 species. The annual event provides a valuable snapshot of how common garden birds are faring.
Blue Tit retained second place in the rankings, while Common Starling rose one position to third. Woodpigeon and Blackbird completed the top five most frequently recorded species in UK gardens.
House Sparrow was the most recorded bird during the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch (Craig Lewis).
Changes to feeding guidance
While the headline results reflect the continued prominence of familiar species, the data also highlight ongoing concerns further down the list. Greenfinch ranked 18th this year and has declined markedly over the long term, with average counts dropping by 67% since the survey began in 1979.
Wider monitoring supports this trend, with the UK population falling by more than 65% since the mid-1990s. The primary cause is trichomonosis, a disease that spreads more easily where birds congregate, particularly at feeding stations.
As a result, the RSPB issued new bird-feeding guidance on Friday [10 April] and the charity has emphasised the importance of responsible feeding practices.
However, the most recent Breeding Bird Survey results suggest there is a glimmer of hope for Greenfinch.
Beccy Speight, RSPB Chief Executive, said: “Feeding birds is something millions of us love and value, but the science shows us that birds such as Greenfinches have been affected by the spread of disease at feeders.”
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