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Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player. Latin nameTurdus philomelos FamilyChats and thrushes (Turdidae) OverviewA familiar and popular garden songbird whose numbers are declining seriously, especially on farmland making it a Red List species. Smaller and browner than a mistle thrush with smaller spotting. Its habit of repeating song phrases distinguish it from singing blackbirds. It likes to eat snails which it breaks into by smashing them against a stone with a flick of the head. Where to see themWoods, hedgerows, parks and gardens across the UK - wherever there are bushes and trees. When to see themAll year round. What they eatWorms, snails and fruit. 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. Find out moreAudio 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) |
 Song thrush Similar birdsHelp the Song thrushWe need to take urgent action to secure the future of this species. Become a member today and help us continue our vital conservation work. |
Flower borders in front of RSPB The Lodge reserve, Bedfordshire - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1999_0503_009 )
Song thrush looking for worms - Steve Round
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)