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Latin name

Turdus torquatus

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Overview

Slightly smaller and slimmer than a blackbird - male ring ouzels are particularly distinctive with their black plumage with a pale wing panel and striking white breast band. They tend to be shyer than other thrushes, although they will often associate with them after the breeding season. Their recent population decline make them a Red List species.

Where to see them

Ring ouzels can be found in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. When on spring and autumn migration they may be seen away from their breeding areas, often on the east and south coasts of the UK where they favour short grassy areas.

When to see them

Ring ouzels arrive in March and April and leave again in September.

What they eat

Insects and berries

Estimated numbers

* 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

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)

2 illustrations 12

Ring ouzel

Ring ouzel - female

Similar birds

Blackbird