Scientific name: Turdus viscivorus Linnaeus, 1758
Bird group: Thrushes and allies
Field characters. 27 cm. Slightly larger and bulkier than Fieldfare. Much larger than Song Thrush, which it resembles in plumage. Upperparts more grey, colder toned than Song Thrush. Underparts whiter, chest buff rather than yellow, with bold black spots, more extensive on belly. Has white underwing coverts and white tips to outer tail feathers. Juvenile has yellow streaks on upperparts. Stance more upright than Song Thrush. Shy, like most other thrushes. Flight strong, like Fieldfare, but closes wing longer. Occurs in small parties outside breeding season, but only rarely mixed with other thrushes.
Voice. Call loud rattle 'trrrrrrrrr', reminiscent of Northern Wren. Song loud and ringing, not repeating like Song Thrush but also with less variation.
Distribution. Rather common, but never abundant.
Habitat. Requires high trees with open fields in near vicinity. Also in orchards, parks, and edges of woods. Avoids dense woodland or treeless areas during breeding season.
Food. Invertebrates and, to a large extent, berries and other fruits. Feeds both on the ground, especially in open fields and meadows, and in trees. Often defends fruit-carrying tree or bush as feeding territory in winter.