Fieldfare

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Fieldfare - Turdus pilaris

The Fieldfare is a large colourful thrush. Fieldfares breed in Scandinavia and the former Soviet Union including the Baltic States.

In central Europe the breeding range has extended to Holland, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and France.

The Fieldfare starts arriving in the UK around October and numbers increase throughout the winter. They return to their breeding migrate between March - May.

Indentification

Adult

The Fieldfare has brown plumage on its back, with its wings and tail shaded to a very dark rich chestnut/red tone. Its breast is dappled with blackish markings, its rump and head are grey.

Size

23 - 25.5 cm

Bill

Yellow medium, pointed

Legs

Black; medium in length

Habitat

can be spotted in the countryside, along hedges and fields. Hawthorn hedges and their berries are favourite feeding spots. In severe winters they can be seen feeding in your garden.

Behaviour

stand very upright, hopping as they move.

Flocking

can be seen in small flocks or flocks of a hundred or more

Flight

Voice

chucks, squeaks and whistles.

Breeding

Nest

Eggs

lays 3 - 6 eggs, green - blue in colour.

Incubation period