How to Identify a Song Thrush
Telling the difference between a Song Thrush and a Mistle Thrush….
That’s the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over,
Lest you should think he never could recapture
The first fine careless rapture!
So wrote the British poet Robert Browning about my new favourite garden bird, the Song Thrush.
The Song Thrush is a wonderful and welcome addition to anyone’s garden in my view. At first glance you could be forgiven for mistaking it for a female adult blackbird but I think the thrush is far prettier. They are also much less common…
Turdus philomelos status is labelled ‘vulnerable’. Despite being found throughout the UK and Europe they have moved in closer to populated areas in recent years because of changes to farming methods which has resulted in loss of food and nesting sites and the chances of seeing them on arable farmland has declined dramatically. Take a fall of some 52% in the overall UK population in the last twenty five years and you can see where this is heading.
Worms, snails and berries attract them to our gardens and this can often lead them into a ‘turf battle’ with blackbirds, which they tend to lose. My garden paths constantly show evidence of the thrush’s presence with empty snail shells which the bird has smashed against the pavement and I for one will never complain about an empty snail shell!
You can tell a Song Thrush by its short hops across the ground, pausing bolt upright in a security alert kind of way before taking off and plunging into the nearest shrub or tree. They are smaller than the Mistle Thrush, warmer colour tones of yellow on the upper chest and more pointed than rounded spots throughout.
Despite their timid nature in comparisson to the blackbird they are fierce protectors of their nests, I watched an unwelcome pigeon being dive bombed by an irate mother thrush yesterday and, once again you will never hear me complain about that!!
The Song Thrush
Cracking picture and a timely write up.
Saw a thrush this afternoon whilst out walking and thought ‘you used to see these all the time - now . . . ‘
I also didn’t know what type it was - spooky and good info
Cheers
Rod
May 27, 2010 @ 8:22 pm
Hi Miles:
Welcome back to the world and welcome back to health - almost!
More rest and more beef tea - that’s the cure for all but the worst, isn’t it?
I love the photos of what was available from the window near your sickbed - all are fantastic as usual!
Keep on getting stronger.
Laura
May 28, 2010 @ 3:54 am
Rod,
It’s a fantastic sight in the garden, I’m really pleased to have them. I believe they like to hang around for a while too.
Miles
May 28, 2010 @ 8:17 am
Laura,
Many thanks, I hate being ill, such a waste of energy! I need to get my appetite back in time for lunch at my parents, I don’t want my brother eating it all
Miles
May 28, 2010 @ 8:19 am
Miles,
I really am sorry you’ve been sick, but at least your days of bed rest have provided me time to catch up on my milescollins.com blog reading. Normally when I miss a week or so, I’m about 8 posts behind!
Interesting information about the Song Thrush. It’s sad that so much pressure is being put on wildlife habitat, migration patterns, nesting areas, etc. Like you said, you can see where this is heading. Although we’ve had some great success stories over here of species coming back from the brink, so maybe the Song Thrush will make it in the long run.
Take care of yourself! Has Anne been over with chicken noodle soup?
Melissa
May 28, 2010 @ 1:50 pm
Melisa,
Thank you and a great comment. I hope numbers do increase but we have to take a closer look at our farming methods first.
No chicken noodle, plenty of blackcurrant cordial though
Miles
May 28, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
Miles,
A superb photo of this lovely bird.
Years ago we had thrushes nesting regularly, usually after the blackbird had its nest built.
Now, we are lucky to even see one.
Very early this year we had a Mistle Thrush every day feeding on my raisins and apple cores. The blackbirds, however, are very territorial and always cleared the poor thrush off.
Anne
May 28, 2010 @ 8:48 pm
Anne,
It’s a shame isn’t it, that said they seem to be living harmoniously in my garden, must be the peaceful vibes I give off
Miles
May 29, 2010 @ 4:48 pm