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"Molecular analyses have been instrumental in resolving the relationships among birds, and have revealed multiple totally unexpected relationships, such as between flamingos and grebes, between falcons, parrots and passerines, and between larks and the bearded tit," explained Prof Alstrom.

Towards the end of April the Bearded Tit begins building its nest.

The River Tay in Perth – an important breeding place for the water rail and bearded tit – has recieved £1.5m.

"It's particularly encouraging to see increasing numbers of some rare breeding birds such as avocet and bearded tit on our nature reserves where the conditions they need can be provided."

Positives include, the bearded tit, which has bred at two sites in Wales since 2005, which it had not bred at since 1988.