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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Flower borders in front of RSPB The Lodge reserve, Bedfordshire Family Birdwatching through living room window Nestbox on tree, RSPB Wood of Cree reserve
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Hot topics

Outbreaks of disease in finches and other garden birds
Following outbreaks in 2005 and 2006, disease caused by a Trichomonad parasite is once again being reported in finch species in gardens.

Homes for hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are believed to be declining and have been listed as a species of conservation concern. You can encourage them into your garden by providing them with food and a home.

Ask an expert

Do you have a burning question about birds and wildlife? Challenge our experts to explain what's always left you bamboozled. We will answer one tricky question a week.

Why don't birds fall off their perches when they sleep?

Alan Thompson, Wales

Hollingsworth, Lee

Lee answers...

When a bird lands on a perch, tendons in their legs tighten and so their toes lock around the perch. This involuntary reflex keeps a sleeping bird from falling off a perch.

Read full answer

Other advice

Our farming and conservation pages also contain advice relevant to those topics.

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 05/09/2008 12:14:23
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