Ingham’s World 6th November-Birds move north due to climate change

Britain’s birds and butterflies are travelling slowly north thanks to warmer temperatures.  A study of 80 bit species shows that over the past 15 years their range has moved an average 30 miles further north.  The BTO report in Bird Study focused 1994 to2009, which was a period when British temperatures increased by 0.59C.  Great spotted woodpeckers have moved an amazing 125, with jays range increasing 100 miles north and nuthatches a shorter 80 miles.  Researcher Dario Massimino said that 20 years ago great spotted woodpeckers used to be seen south of Glasgow but now they’ve been seen in Iverness.  Green woodpeckers used to keep south of the river Tees but now they have been heard round the Tyne.  Also chiffchaffs have moved 95 miles northwards, great tits have expanded 62 miles, blue tit 47 miles and blackcaps 42 miles.

Male howler monkeys have less to shout about than people really think.  Their 5km travelling calls fill the jungles of Central and South America, as males try to attract females and scare of any other males.  But a Cambridge University team tells Current Biology that the males with the loudest calls actually have a lower reproductive potential.

Information about colourful goldfinches is wanted.  Goldfinches are on the increase and the BTO wants to know why.  All you have to do is count the numbers of goldfinches in your garden.