Song Thrush - Turdus Philomelos

Song Thrush (click to enlarge)

A widespread resident of this country, the Song Thrush is a shy and retiring bird with a truly beautiful song. They prefer to stay near cover, and like small gardens with lots of undergrowth. It often stays motionless in the undergrowth for long periods of time, darting out to get some food and then retreating back into hiding. The males in particular like to find the highest post around from which to treat us all to their song!

Identification A pale bird with brown upper parts and sandy brown underwing, buff underneath with dark speckles and a hint of golden brown on the breast. It closely resembles the Mistle Thrush, but it is smaller and of more compact and neat stature. The Mistle Thrush has a much larger belly, almost pot bellied, and can often be seen with wings drooping and standing very upright. The Song Thrush has a clear flute-like song, of great beauty and inventiveness. It is repetitive, and the same phrase is sung three to four times.

Nesting Prefers to nest in low shrubs, building a grass nest with a mud lining and laying 3 to 5 bluish eggs.

Food Worms, insects and berries are it's mainstay. In the winter months when the ground is frozen they will feed on snails, cracking them open on rocks. Will take fruit, sultanas and scraps from ground level feeding stations.

Garden Tips Leave a rock or two around for them to crack snails on, and avoid using pesticides that kill snails. Hedges and low shrubs are ideal for nesting.