Efforts by conservationists to preserve a rare bird species in the United Kingdom have received a significant boost due to the exceptional breeding performance of a single male bird, according to conservationist Mark Thomas.
Referred to as AU, the 10-year-old male Montagu’s harrier has fathered 16 offspring, with 10 of them born in the past two years.
Mark Thomas, the species lead for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), highlighted AU’s essential role in sustaining the species in the U.K., describing him as the primary contributor to its survival.
‘A Successful Year’
Montagu’s harriers, known for their migratory patterns, typically breed in Europe during the spring after wintering in Africa and parts of Asia.
Despite being classified as a species of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, their global population is declining, with the U.K. population facing a particularly rapid decrease.
From a peak of 30 breeding pairs in the 1950s to zero in the ’70s, the U.K. saw a slight resurgence to 13 pairs in the mid-2000s, followed by another decline to zero pairs between 2000 and 2003.
Thomas emphasized the urgency of protecting the current bird population, noting the positive developments in recent times.
The successful breeding season can be largely attributed to AU’s efforts.
Following the successful rearing of four chicks in 2025, AU, also known as the “golden boy,” returned this year to engage in elaborate mating displays to attract potential mates.
Thomas described AU’s captivating aerial displays and the ensuing courtship rituals with female harriers, leading to successful nesting with two females this year.
Ensuring Nest Protection
Through his mating efforts, AU has fathered six chicks with his two partners, offering hope for the species’ future through his offspring potentially returning to breed in the U.K.
Conservationists have strategically placed the six new hatchlings in two concealed nests on a British farm, closely monitored and protected from potential threats.
Thomas expressed the excitement and responsibility of safeguarding the chicks, emphasizing the rarity and significance of the Montagu’s harriers in the U.K.
