The RSPB: Fieldfare

Fieldfare

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Latin name

Turdus pilaris

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Overview

Fieldfares are large, colourful thrushes, much like a mistle thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. They stand very upright and move forward with purposeful hops. They are very social birds, spending the winter in flocks of anything from a dozen or two to several hundred strong. These straggling, chuckling flocks that roam the UK's countryside are a delightful and attractive part of the winter scene.

Where to see them

Best looked for in the countryside, along hedges and in fields. Hawthorn hedges with berries are a favourite feeding area. In late winter grass fields, playing fields and arable fields with nearby trees and hedges are a favourite place. May come into gardens in severe winters when snow covers the countryside.

When to see them

They begin to arrive from October and numbers build up as the winter progresses. Birds start to return in March and some may stay into May.

What they eat

Insects, worms and berries.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	1-4 pairs	720,000 birds	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

In the UK: UK-wide in winter

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Find out more

Videos

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)