Decline to near extinction of a mountain passerine: the status of the Ring Ouzel <i>Turdus torquatus</i> in the Republic of Ireland in 2021

Capsule The Ring Ouzel has declined to near extinction on the island of Ireland, with just nine occupied sites recorded during a national survey in 2021, all in County Donegal in north-west Ireland.Aims Little is known about the status and population trends of the Ring Ouzel in Ireland. The aim of the 2021 survey in the Republic of Ireland was to determine its current breeding population size and range.Methods We identified tetrads that had records of breeding Ring Ouzels in Ireland in the previous 20 years. Using a standard methodology, including playback, we visited tetrads at least twice to record occupancy and evidence of breeding as well as to record habitat associations and land use.Results Ring Ouzels were detected in just nine of 75 tetrads surveyed, with probable/confirmed breeding in four and possible breeding in five tetrads, all in County Donegal in north-west Ireland. Habitats at Ring Ouzel breeding sites (139–530 m a.s.l.) were predominantly dry heath, blanket bog and scree. Sheep Ovies aries grazing (in 87% of tetrads) was the most widespread land use.Conclusion The Ring Ouzel is in imminent risk of extinction in Ireland, after the loss of the breeding population in County Kerry in south-west Ireland within the last decade, and a tiny, remnant population now confined to north and south-west Donegal. The conversion of heath to grass moorland appears to be an important factor driving the decline in Ireland. Climate change effects, such as drier summers, may also be impacting the accessibility and availability of invertebrate prey. Urgent conservation actions are needed to halt further decline to extinction, especially in the few remaining breeding areas.