The results have landed!

What are the findings of the world’s largest garden wildlife survey?

9.4 millionbirds counted during Big Garden Birdwatch 2026
650,000+people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2026
13.4 millionhours spent counting birds since 1979

Explore the Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 results

Take a look at our interactive results page to see what birds came out on top and which birds dropped in the Big Garden Birdwatch rankings. Do the results echo what you saw in your patch? Select a country to see the top ten in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. 

Leaderboard top 10

Select a year to see how the results have changed over time, or click on a country to see the top 10 there.

Download results

Brace those beaks - the Big Garden Birdwatch results rundown has arrived!

Sit back and enjoy our short film in which we reveal the Big Garden Birdwatch results 2026. How does the UK’s top ten compare to what you saw in your Birdwatch?

Big Garden Birdwatch 2026: Who took the top spot?

Loved spotting your garden visitors? Help protect them all year round

By taking part, you've already helped reveal how our birds are doing. Want to keep that impact going all year? Become an RSPB member and turn a weekend of birdwatching into long-term action for nature.

As a member, you'll enjoy:

  • Unlimited entry to 170+ nature reserves - perfect for spotting wildlife and soaking up nature,
  • Regular RSPB magazines full of stories, tips and inspiration,
  • The satisfaction of knowing you're funding vital, long-term conservation projects that protect birds every day.

Make your Birdwatch go further

 

Understanding our garden birds

The Big Garden Birdwatch provides a snapshot of how our birds are faring. It’s the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and, because it takes place every year, we are able to look at trends over time. Research such as the Breeding Bird Survey and other scientific surveys enable us to better understand any changes.

House Sparrows need our help

House Sparrows are one of the UK’s most widespread birds. While they are often the most commonly spotted garden birds in Big Garden Birdwatch, unfortunately their breeding numbers have drastically declined since records began over the last 50 years. In 2002, House Sparrows were added to the UK Red List of birds of high conservation concern. Although there have been increases in some areas over the last decade, House Sparrows remain on the Red List. One way to help garden birds is by encouraging insects. Why not let a patch of your garden grow wild this spring and summer? You’ll get a rest, and you’ll reap the rewards come next Big Garden Birdwatch.

A male and female House Sparrow perched together on a branch.

Turning the tide for nature

The problems faced by birds are many and varied, which means we need to take action in all sorts of areas. From gardening for wildlife to the way we farm and manage our rivers, it all impacts on nature. That’s why we work tirelessly to save, protect and fight for nature. And when we come together for nature, it works.
Birds that were almost lost from the UK have been brought back.

How our members have helped make a difference

Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, Red Kites soar high once more and Bitterns boom again in our wetlands. None of this would be possible without the support of our members, volunteers and many others – thank you!

Enjoy birdwatching all year round at an RSPB nature reserve

If you enjoyed the Big Garden Birdwatch, then visit one of our nature havens, dedicated to caring for bird and other wildlife. There are more than 170 across the UK, with many running guided walks and events to help you find out more about birds.

or see all our locations
An overview of the café at Old Moor Reserve, wooden tables with white and grey plastic chairs.
Old Moor Cafe

Dearne Valley – Old Moor

Barnsley and Rotherham

Wander through wetland habitats at Old Moor, with sweeping views from the hides, this family-friendly nature reserve is teeming with wildlife. Enjoy idyllic walks, wildlife watching, pond-dipping plus an adventure playground for kids. 

Reserve of the month