Song thrush

The song thrush (Turdus philomelos) is a much loved European bird that is much rarer than it used to be. Numbers have declined in recent years due mainly to changes in farming methods including the removal of hedges between fields.

The song thrush is resident in most of the British Isles and there is also some migration from continental Europe. It is found in countryside where there is sufficient cover in the shape of hedges and woods and it is also a garden bird.

It is an attractive bird that has a distinctive song that includes many different elements such as shrill cascades of notes. It is noted for repeating phrases several times over.

Appearance and habits

Male and female song thrushes are similar in appearance. They are compact in shape and around 9 inches (22-24 centimetres) in length. The wings and tail are relatively short when compared to other species of thrush.

The colouring is dark brown on the back and upper wings whereas the speckled chest is much lighter, as are the underparts. There is yellow to buff colouring on the underwings.

When on the ground the song thrush runs and hops, holding its head to one side when it pauses. It is a strong flyer.

Song thrushes feed on worms, snails, insects, caterpillars, fruit and berries. They are noted for their practice of smashing snail shells against rocks or concrete paths with a flick of the head.

The famous song is most commonly heard in early Spring when males perch on prominent branches to establish their territory and announce their presence. When the female song thrushes arrive they will visit several males and choose the one who has secured the most desirable territory.

Breeding

Song thrushes will nest in hedges, trees or ivy, or even in outbuildings and sheds. The nest, which will be completed by mid-April, comprises dry plant stems, moss, mud and decomposing wood, held together with saliva. No other lining is provided.

Four to six eggs are laid, these being incubated by the hen bird on her own for up to fourteen days. The chicks are fed by both parents for two weeks or so before they leave the nest, after which the adult birds will continue to feed them for a few more weeks away from the nest.

Future prospects

Numbers of song thrushes have declined in recent years due mainly to changes in farming methods including the removal of hedges between fields. The bird’s future therefore in depends a great deal on how farmland is managed. Fortunately, many farmers are sensitive to their responsibilities as environmental custodians and are aware that providing generous field margins and preserving hedgerows is conducive to maintaining good numbers of song thrushes, as well as many other bird species.

© John Welford