Berliner Tageblatt - Rare Siberian Rubythroat Dies in UK Garden After Cat Attack

A Siberian rubythroat, a songbird classified as vanishingly rare in the United Kingdom, has died after being caught by a pet cat in Cumbria. The bird’s owner, residing in Brampton, reported the incident to her local branch of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) after her cat brought home the tiny creature.

Chris Hind, Cumbria’s county recorder for birds, identified the specimen by its distinctive orange-red throat feathers. He noted that the bird is exceptionally uncommon in the region, with only 17 accepted records of the species appearing in the UK between 1975 and 2022.

Josh Jones, senior editor of Bird Guides, described the death as unfortunate given the bird’s extensive journey from Siberia. He told the BBC that the bird appeared underweight and had likely flown off course while migrating south. At this time of year, Siberian rubythroats are expected to be heading south from their breeding grounds in Siberia toward wintering areas in South-East Asia.

Jones urged cat owners to fit their pets with bells to warn birds of their approach, stating that such deaths are "perfectly avoidable by taking the right steps."

The deceased bird is set to be displayed at Tullie Museum in Carlisle.

O.Bulka--BTB