Turdus viscivorus
The Mistle Thrush is a large, stocky thrush with greyish-brown upperparts and a white underside marked with bold, dark spots. Its head features a slight greyish tinge, and its long tail has white corners visible in flight. Legs are yellowish-brown, and the bill is dark grey-brown.
Both sexes look similar, with juveniles showing a more spotted appearance on their upperparts. The bird's plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with no significant seasonal changes.
The underside of the wings is white, which is a key way of identifying the species from the Song Thrush, which has buffish-orange underwings.
Length
26cm to 29cm
Wingspan
45cm to 50cm
Weight
93g to 167g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Brown Grey
Secondary Colour
White Buff
Beak Colour
Brown
Leg Colour
Brown Yellow
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Mistle Thrushes inhabit many wooded habitats across Europe and parts of Asia. They prefer open woodlands, parklands, and large gardens with scattered trees. These birds are also found in orchards and hedgerows.
In the UK, they are resident year-round, while northern and eastern populations may migrate south for winter. They are widespread across Britain and Ireland, adapting well to human-modified landscapes.
Up to 600 meters
Temperate, Subarctic
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Mistle Thrush. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
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