The RSPB: Mistle thrush

Mistle thrush

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Latin name

Turdus viscivorus

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Overview

This is a pale, black-spotted thrush - large, aggressive and powerful. It stands boldly upright and bounds across the ground while in flight, it has long wings and its tail has whitish edges. It is most likely to be noticed perched high at the top of a tree, singing its fluty song or giving its rattling call in flight.

Where to see them

This is a widespread bird in the UK, found almost everywhere except the highest, barest ground, and absent from the northern and western isles of Scotland. It can be seen in woodland, parkland and gardens.

When to see them

All year round. Watch for flocks in July and August.

What they eat

Worms, slugs, insects and berries.

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	222,500 territories	-	-

* 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

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

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)