NEARLY one in five bird species in Europe is at risk of extinction according to the European Red List of Birds, compiled by BirdLife International and using data gathered by British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) volunteers.

The list makes shocking reading, with illegal killing and land-use change among the factors thought to be driving the declines evident in many once familiar species.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The new European Red List, launched in Brussels, paints a grim picture for some of Europe’s iconic and best loved bird species. British breeding birds, like Turtle Dove, Kingfisher, Fulmar and Puffin are all listed as threatened at a European level.