The latest update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has seen four familiar shorebirds moved to higher threat categories.

Grey Plover, Dunlin, Ruddy Turnstone and Curlew Sandpiper, all of which are regular sights for UK birders, are of increasing conservation concern.

Scientists reviewing the conservation status of the world’s bird populations have confirmed that these four species have suffered significant declines in their numbers. As a result, they have moved to higher threat categories on the global Red List.