Home / Environment / Rare Bird Found Dead After Cat Attack in Cumbria
Rare Bird Found Dead After Cat Attack in Cumbria
13 Nov
Summary
- A rare Siberian rubythroat was found dead after being caught by a pet cat.
- The underweight bird had likely flown from Siberia, far off its migration path.
- Experts highlight the tragedy and suggest bells on cat collars to prevent such incidents.
A Siberian rubythroat, considered a national rarity, has been found deceased after being caught by a domestic cat in Brampton, Cumbria. The bird, a species related to the European robin, was discovered on a Sunday after being brought into a home.
Cumbria's county recorder for birds, Chris Hind, noted that between 1975 and 2022, there were only 17 accepted sightings of this elusive species in Britain. He described the event as an "extraordinary scenario" and confirmed the bird, weighing a critically low 28g, likely originated from Siberia.
Bird experts have labelled the event "absolutely tragic," emphasizing that the Siberian rubythroat was far off its migration route, which typically leads south from its Siberian breeding grounds to Southeast Asia for winter. The bird had distinctive features, including a crimson throat and striking white eyebrows.
This occurrence highlights the impact of domestic pets on wildlife. Bird Guides senior editor Josh Jones urged cat owners to use warning bells on collars, stating that "such deaths are perfectly avoidable." The deceased bird will be sent for scientific research and potentially to the Tullie museum in Carlisle.
Experts noted that due to the secretive nature of Siberian rubythroats, which conceal themselves in dense vegetation, it is highly improbable anyone would have seen or identified this bird if the cat had not brought it home.
