Big Schools’ Birdwatch results 2025

A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who took part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch 2025. The results are now in, so it’s time to see how your school compares to other schools across the UK.

New for 2025

We’re making it easier for your pupils to use Big Schools’ Birdwatch results to develop their data handling skills.

We’ve included the mean average number of birds recorded in schools Birdwatches for our top ten. Remember, you can download historical data from our resources page for comparison.

You have a new PowerPoint data handling lesson, designed by Archives IT. Use it to teach your pupils to use an online bar chart tool to present this year’s results, or create a line graph to compare recorded numbers of birds over the past few years.

Which bird came top?

Big Schools’ Birdwatch provides an annual snapshot of how some of our best-loved birds are faring on our school grounds. Take a look to see the top ten birds sighted in this year’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch. How does it compare with what you saw in your school’s grounds?

This survey would not have been possible without teachers and pupils becoming citizen scientists for the day. Thank you!

1. Woodpigeon

Average number of birds recorded: 6.2

Woodpigeons are the UK’s largest and most common pigeon. They’re found in towns, cities and the countryside.

2. Blackbird

Average number of birds recorded: 5.7

Blackbirds are common garden birds. Listen out for the male Blackbird singing, often from the top of a tree or chimney pot.

3. Carrion Crow

Average number of birds recorded: 4.8

Crows belong to a family of birds known as Corvids, which includes Jays, Jackdaws, Rooks and Magpies. How many types of Corvid have you seen?

4. Magpie

Average number of birds recorded: 4.0

These large black and white birds can be quite noisy and have a harsh call that sounds like a chuckle. Have you heard one?

5. House Sparrow

Average number of birds recorded: 4.0

House Sparrows are only found near people. They’ll often visit bird feeders and you might see them nesting under the eaves of houses.

6. Starling

Average number of birds recorded: 4.0

Starlings are sociable and famous for gathering in large flocks in winter. These are known as ‘murmurations’ and can contain up to a million birds.

7. Feral Pigeon

Average number of birds recorded: 2.9

Feral Pigeons come in lots of different shades and colours, and are common in urban areas throughout the world.

8. Black-headed Gull

Average number of birds recorded: 2.7

Although we normally think of the seaside when we think of gulls, Black-headed Gulls are as happy inland as they are by the sea.

9. Robin

Average number of birds recorded: 2.5

Did you know that Robins are sometimes called the gardener’s friend? Often, Robins follow gardeners as they dig, hoping to catch a worm or bug disturbed by digging.

10. Blue Tit

Average number of birds recorded: 2.3

Blue Tits are colourful little birds with blue, green and yellow feathers. They will happily visit bird feeders and readily use a nestbox.

Keep learning through nature

If you enjoyed Big Schools’ Birdwatch, then take a look at the RSPB’s Wild Challenge. This is a free award scheme for schools to help engage children with nature through practical learning opportunities. By doing Big Schools’ Birdwatch, you’re already one step closer to achieving a Bronze Award. You’ll find lots more activities, including ideas for creating more space for wildlife in your school grounds.