Birds Life Expectancy

There is a general, although not exact, correlation between size and bird life expectancy but the only accurate method of determining birds ages is through ringing schemes.

Researchers and experts take nestlings and birds captured in very fine nets, called mist nets, and after taking measurements fix a small, numbered, plastic or metal ring to their legs and release them or put them back in the nest. If, at a later date, the bird is recaptured or found dead a new recording of the number is made and thus a record of a bird’s age can be built up.

Below is a list of a few common wild birds and their average and oldest recorded ages.

Typical Life Expectancy
Species	Average (years)	Oldest (years)
Blackbird	2.4	20
Blue Tit	1.5	21
Robin	1.1	12
Starling	2.5	22

It can be seen that from this information it is, sadly, unlikely that the same Robin or Blue Tit will return to your garden but hopefully their young will grace you with a visit, especially if the parents found your garden a great source of food and water.