Abstract | UK and Ireland seabird and waterbird indices show declines since the 1990s, partly reflecting population responses to changing climatic conditions across species’ annual cycles and ranges.
Declines in breeding seabird numbers have been linked to climate-mediated changes in fish prey species, affecting reproductive success and survival. Strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas can also impact reproductive success and overwinter survival for some species.
Declines in UK waterbird breeding populations and north-easterly shifts in waterbird winter distributions in Europe are also consistent with a warming climate. |
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