BTO Research Reports are scientific papers that have been self-published by the BTO. The following is a full list of the published BTO research reports. Most are free to download, and links to Abstracts are included where possible.
Numbers missing from the list are those allocated but which were never produced or which have not been published. BTO recognises that, particularly in respect of commercially sensitive cases, a period of confidentiality is appropriate for some projects. However, in the interests of scientific development and dissemination of information, we encourage clients to permit publication as soon as it is reasonable to do so.
- If you wish to purchase a physical copy of a report please contact researchreports@bto.org.
- More information about our Annual Service reports to JNCC 1992-2005.
Assessment of recent Hen Harrier population trends in England through population modelling
This study uses a population modelling approach to explore the effects of changes in rates of productivity, survival, and settlement on population growth in the English population of Hen Harriers.
Search
Description of the downy chicks of the Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus
Author: Wetherhill, A.S., Dickson A. Matthew, D.A., Mayowa, E.S. & Izang, M.S.
Published: 2025
The Long-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus climacurus is fairly common across its wide distribution in west and central Africa, south of the Sahel zone, but until this study, its downy chicks had been described only briefly.
22.04.25
Papers
Framework for assessing species vulnerability whilst on migration to a spatially explicit anthropogenic pressure
Author: Green, R.M.W., Cook, A.S.C.P., Burton, N.H.K., Franks, S.E. & Green, J.A.
Published: 2025
Migration is a critical component of animal lifecycles, and human development globally is increasingly interfering with animal migration routes. There is not a generally accepted approach to assess impacts of development on migratory species. This study showcases a framework to enable impacts to be assessed comparatively. It uses UK ducks, geese and swans as a case study to illustrate the variation between species.
17.04.25
Papers
Landscape context influences efficacy of protected areas and agri-environment scheme delivery for breeding waders
Author: Hawkes, R.W., Mason, L.R., Conway, G.J., Siriwardena, G.M., Grice, P.V., Cole, A.J. & Peach, W.J.
Published: 2025
16.04.25
Papers
A review of existing methods to collect data on seabird flight height distributions and their use in offshore wind farm impact assessments
Author: Feather, A.P., Burton, N.H.K., Johnston, D.T. & Boersch-Supan, P.H.
Published: 2025
This document presents a review of existing methods for collecting seabird flight height data and their potential to produce flight height distributions that might be used in CRMs. The strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of different methods are identified and sources of measurement and sampling error, uncertainty and bias assessed. Best practice recommendations are provided for prominent methods and how data might be best utilised to inform stakeholders is considered.
15.04.25
Reports Research reports
A review of Curlew headstarting projects in Europe
Author: Ewing, H. Bowgen, K.M., Burton, N.H.K., Saunders, R., Perkins, A., Gajko, A., O’Donoghue, B., Kala, B., Kerperin, C., Kelley, C., Heward, C.J., Krupiński, D., Nijs, G., Weber, H., Düttmann, H., Kruckenberg, H., Deiting, J., Thiess, L., Szajda, M., Maluśkiewicz, M., Boschert, M., Obłoza, P., Tüllinghoff, R., Kelly, S.B.A., Grigg, T. & Franks, S.E.
Published: 2025
Breeding waders are among the most threatened of European bird species and the focus of a suite of conservation interventions, such as the improvement of grassland nesting habitats, and the protection of nests and chicks from predators and destruction by agricultural activities. Headstarting is a relatively novel technique in breeding wader conservation, where eggs are removed from the wild and reared in carefully controlled environments. It aims to bypass the threats individuals encounter during vulnerable early life stages in the wild. Headstarting differs from more traditional forms of captive rearing, in that individuals only remain in captivity for a small part of their life cycle (generally egg and hatchling stages) and are released once at a less vulnerable stage to provide a quick, artificial boost to the breeding productivity of a wild population.
01.04.25
Papers
