©Chris Gomersall/2020VISION
©Stefan Johansson
Often spotted in large flocks, the fieldfare is an attractive thrush. It is a winter visitor, enjoying the feast of seasonal berries the UK's hedgerows, woodlands and parks have to offer.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 24-26cmWingspan: 40cm
Weight: 100g
Average lifespan: 2 years
Conservation status
Classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021). Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
When to see
October to MarchAbout
The fieldfare is a large, colourful thrush that visits the UK in the winter to feast on berry-laden bushes in hedgerows, woodlands and parks. Fieldfares are sociable birds and can be seen in flocks of more than 200 birds roaming through the countryside. They often venture into gardens when there is snow cover or if it is a severe winter.How to identify
The fieldfare has a chestnut-brown back and yellowy breast, streaked with black. It has a black tail, dark wings and pale grey rump and head. It is a little smaller than the similar-looking mistle thrush, but quite distinctive.In our area
Look out for flocks of winter thrushes, like fieldfares, stripping berry-laden bushes of their bounty at our Whitbarrow Hervey Memorial Reserve.
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