In this year's bird count, the blackbird reached a record high of 52,364 observed individuals, according to Birdlife Sweden. The great tit tops the list as usual, while the number of participants rose to 19,000 due to winter weather. The count took place over the weekend and highlights changes in bird populations.
Over the weekend, thousands of private individuals across Sweden counted birds at their feeders and reported the results to Birdlife Sweden, which organizes the annual bird count. The number of reporters has increased significantly from about 14,900 last year to 19,000 this year.
"An important reason for the relatively high participation this year is the winter weather across Sweden. When temperatures are low, people stay indoors," says Anders Wirdheim, one of those responsible for the count.
The great tit is unchallenged at the top of the list of the most common species at bird feeders, followed by the blue tit and chaffinch. In fourth place is the blackbird with a record 52,364 observations—the highest number in the 21 years the count has been running. The large number may be due to a mild autumn and early winter, keeping more blackbirds in the country instead of migrating south.
Other notable observations include unusually high numbers of long-tailed tits in southern Sweden and European goldfinches. The Bohemian waxwing and fieldfare have decreased compared to last year, as has the bullfinch, now in fifth place. Reports have come in from all municipalities in the country, with Norrtälje municipality standing out with the most participants per capita.
Top 10 most common birds in January 2026:
1. Great tit
2. Blue tit
3. Chaffinch
4. Blackbird
5. Bullfinch
6. Yellowhammer
7. Magpie
8. Greenfinch
9. Jackdaw
10. House sparrow
