Song Thrush ( Turdus philomelos)
Probably the most popular songbird in our gardens and one which has declined significantly by 53% between 1974 and 1999. Modern intensive agriculture and the reduction of good nesting sites and food supplies are believed
to have contributed to this demise.
Smaller than a Blackbird and differing from the Mistle Thrush with smaller spots and an orange underwing, this wonderful bird can be heard singing repeated song phrases. It is stocky, with a short tail, medium brown back, and small black spots all over its buff chest and flanks.
Loves eating snails with the skilled habit of smashing them against a hard object with the flicking action of the head. Territorial through the breeding season. Flutters its wings when excited.
| Size | 23cm |
| Weight | 65-100 mg |
| Habitat | Wide variety of habitats including coniferous and deciduous woodland, bushes and hedgerows. Feeds under trees staying close to cover. |
| Nesting | Nesting starts March. Constructed of grass, twigs and moss, lined with a smooth layer of mud. Female builds the nest in a tree or shrub. |
| Eggs | 3 to 5 eggs |
| Incubation | 11-17 days |
| Feeding | Loves snails, earthworms, caterpillars and insects. Fruits including berries in Autumn. |
| Voice | Sings during the day and at dusk during March to July. Repeated simple phrases. Call “tsip”. |
| Breeding pairs | 1.1 million pairs in the UK. Population has fallen rapidly. |
Protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
