Striking and gregarious, this berry-loving thrush transforms winter fields into bustling social hubs across Europe and beyond.

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Fieldfare is a robust thrush with distinctive grey plumage on its head and rump, contrasting with chestnut-brown wings and back. Its breast is heavily spotted with black, fading to a white belly. The bird has a yellow bill with a dark tip and brown legs.

Both sexes look similar, with juveniles showing a more mottled appearance and less defined head colouration. In winter, the bill darkens to a brownish-yellow.

Size

Length

22cm to 27cm

Wingspan

39cm to 42cm

Weight

80g to 130g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey Brown

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Yellow Black

Leg Colour

Brown

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

Garden

Wetland

Coastal

Urban

Farmland

Grassland

Desert

Tundra

Rainforest

Mountain

Savanna

Distribution

Fieldfares breed across northern Europe and Asia, from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia. They prefer open woodland, forest edges, and parkland for nesting. During winter, many migrate south and west, with large numbers reaching the UK, where they inhabit open countryside, orchards, and gardens.

Fieldfares may push further south into southern Europe and occasionally North Africa in harsh winters. Some populations in central Europe are resident year-round.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

© 2025 - Birdfact
Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Passage
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 60
Adaptability 80
Aggressiveness 70
Endurance 65

Diet

Fieldfares are omnivorous, and their diet varies seasonally. In summer, they primarily consume invertebrates such as earthworms, insects, and snails.

During autumn and winter, they switch to a fruit-based diet, favouring berries from rowan, hawthorn, and juniper trees. These berries are often taken directly from hedges, trees, and bushes, although windfall apples are also a favourite.

Behaviour

Fieldfares are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks during winter. They forage on the ground, hopping and running in search of food.

When alarmed, they give a characteristic 'chack-chack' call and fly off together, displaying their white underwings.

Vocalisation

The Fieldfare's call is a harsh, chattering 'chack-chack-chack', often given in flight or when alarmed. Their song heard mainly in breeding areas, is a softer, warbling melody interspersed with clicks and whistles, somewhat reminiscent of a Blackbird but less musical.

Nesting & Breeding

Fieldfares breed from May to July, often in loose colonies for added protection against predators. Males perform display flights and sing to attract mates. Nests are typically built in tree forks or on branches, constructed with grass, moss, and mud.

Females lay 5-6 pale blue eggs with brown speckles. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 13 days. The chicks are altricial and remain in the nest for another 12-15 days before fledging.

Fieldfares are known for their aggressive nest defence, often mobbing potential predators and even spraying faeces at intruders.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years
0
2
4
5
7

years

The Fieldfare typically lives for 3 to 5 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While the Fieldfare is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats and protecting important European wintering grounds.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

71,000,000 - 143,000,000 mature individuals [2]

Global Population Trend

Stable[3]

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for large flocks in open fields during winter
  • Listen for their distinctive 'chack-chack' alarm call
  • Observe their habit of suddenly flying up from the ground when disturbed
  • In the UK, check berry-laden trees and hedgerows in autumn and winter

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Felty-fare, Felty-bird

Family:

Turdidae

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey such as Sparrowhawks and Goshawks, as well as mammals like foxes and martens. Domestic cats can also pose a threat in urban and suburban areas.

Did You Know?

  1. Fieldfares can form winter flocks of up to 10,000 individuals.
  2. Their scientific name, Turdus pilaris, refers to their round shape and hair-like feathers.
  3. In severe weather, Fieldfares have been known to seek shelter in abandoned buildings or dense vegetation.

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References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Turdus pilaris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22708816A87874379.

    View source
  2. 3

    report, 2015: EBCC