Fieldfare

The fieldfare, a delightful bird from the thrush family Turdidae, resides in the woodlands and scrublands of northern Europe and the Palearctic region. As winter approaches, these birds migrate south, often heading to the United Kingdom, Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. While they rarely breed in the British Isles, they populate the region in large numbers during the colder months.

Fieldfares are omnivorous, enjoying a diverse diet that includes mollusks, insects, earthworms, berries, grains, and seeds. For safety, they often nest in small colonies. Their nests, constructed in trees, are diligently tended by both parents who feed the chicks until they are ready to fledge after about two weeks.

Visually, fieldfares are quite distinctive. They feature a grey crown, neck, and rump, a plain brown back, dark wings and tail, and white underwings. Their breast is heavily spotted with a reddish hue, making them easy to identify. During migration and winter, they often form large flocks, mingling with redwings.

First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, the fieldfare is a notable member of the Turdus genus, known for their rounded heads, pointed wings, and melodious songs. They breed in northern Europe and spend winters across western and southern Europe, as well as North Africa. Occasionally, they venture as far as Iceland, Greenland, and parts of Asia.

In terms of habitat, fieldfares favor mixed woodlands during the summer and prefer open country, agricultural land, and orchards in the winter. They are quite nomadic, moving to areas abundant in berries and insects. Their southward migration begins in October, with the majority arriving in the UK by November.

The breeding season commences in May in regions like Poland. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest, typically in woodlands. She usually lays five to six eggs, which she incubates for about thirteen to fourteen days. The chicks, born helpless, leave the nest after about fourteen to sixteen days. Fortunately, the fieldfare population is stable, earning them a "least concern" status on the IUCN Red List.

In the UK, however, the fieldfare is on the Red List due to its limited breeding presence. Its unique appearance, migratory patterns, and habitat preferences make the fieldfare a captivating bird to study and observe.