ONE of Britain’s ‘charismatic’ birds has been placed on a UK-threatened species list.

The curlew, which can be spotted across the Forest of Bowland and the moorlands around Burnley, has been made a highest conservation priority by the RSPB.

A State of UK Birds report complied by the charity has revealed the bird is one of five other British-based species given a ‘red conservation status’.

Holding more than 25 per cent of the globes population of curlew, the UK is considered one of the most important countries for breeding the bird.

But in recent decades, numbers of curlews have almost halved because of a reduction in in habitat.

Dr Daniel Hayhow, conservation scientist for the RSPB, said: “Curlews are instantly recognisable on winter estuaries or summer moors by their striking long, curved beak, long legs and evocative call.

“They are one of our most charismatic birds and also one of our most important.

“The report showed through land management, new research and existing data, the International Single Species Action Plan aims to understand the key causes of curlew declines across the UK and the Republic of Ireland and take action to reverse this trend.”

Curlews can be found across the Pennies, North Wales, and around the UK coastline.

Other species including the dotterel, whinchat, grey wagtail and merlin have also been added to the list by the charity.

Geoff Hilton, head of conservation science at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, said: “The call of the curlew is one of the really magical elements of British nature, celebrated in poetry and song.

“Now we know that we are losing them; fewer and fewer people are getting to experience their song.

“But the curlew has one big thing in its favour: it is loved by many, many people.

“I’ve seen the enthusiasm and determination to turn their fortunes around, from farmers, conservationists and the public, and this convinces me that we can do so.”

The report revealed there were 1,000 breeding pairs of cirl buntings and an increase in the number of winter thrushes sightings in the country.

Tim Hill, Natural England’s chief scientist, said: “Our ongoing conservation efforts in the English uplands continue to target and provide protection for upland breeding birds.

“Almost half of our uplands are now protected."