Fieldfare Factfile
The Fieldfare is a large and colourful thrush which is a winter visitor to the UK from its breeding grounds in northern Europe, with up to one million birds migrating here each year. Fieldfares are relatively easy to identify with their grey head, dark chestnut back and a speckled breast. Fieldfares are very sociable birds and are generally seen in large flocks, often with Redwings (which are also a species of thrush), and this highly gregarious behaviour, along with almost constant chuckling calls, makes them virtually unmistakable. The only other species of bird a fieldfare could be confused with from a distance is the Mistle thrush – with the two species being about the same size – but note the grey head and chestnut back of the Fieldfare, which the Mistle thrush doesn’t have. Fieldfares generally only come into gardens when there’s snow on the ground, and then to feed on berries and any remaining fallen apples – or any new ones put out which they’ll readily eat, so this is a great way to attract Fieldfares to your garden.
Fieldfare nesting and breeding habits
Occasionally, one or two pairs of Fieldfare nest in the UK, but essentially the species only breeds in northern taiga forest and other forest below the taiga line. The nest of the Fieldfare is generally in a rather open site such as a fork in a tree, on a stump or even directly on the ground. The nest is relatively large and made up of twigs, grasses and other plant material, then lined with a thin layer of mud and then fine grass on top of that. The nest of the Fieldfare is built by the female alone and she also incubates the eggs, though both parents feed the young birds. There are normally two broods per season with 5-6 eggs for each. Small breeding colonies of Fieldfares are often formed in suitable habitat.
Fieldfare history and population trends
The population of the Fieldfare is relatively stable and there is evidence that there has been a moderate increase in the European part of its vast breeding range (which extends right across to the eastern coast of Russia).
Behaviour traits of Fieldfares
In their breeding range Fieldfares display some very interesting behaviour, with one aspect involving the fierce protection of breeding territories – which can be formed as small colonies of the species. This defence can include a well-targeted defecation hitting the intruding bird such as a magpie. In the winter in the UK, there can be strong defensive behaviour when guarding food such as an apple, with one Fieldfare chasing off another and even though they will probably have both arrived as part of the same large flock.
Fieldfare diet and food
The food of Fieldfares includes worms, slugs, snails and insects, though in the winter and especially when the ground is frozen or covered in snow, a switch is immediately made to berries and fruit. Fieldfares do not normally take food put out in gardens, though the one exception is apples which they will readily eat. In fact, if there’s snow on the ground and Fieldfares in the area, then putting out 20 half apples on the ground with the flesh side up will often result in 20 Fieldfares feeding on them – or a mix of Fieldfares and Redwings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Fieldfares stay in the UK?
Fieldfares start to arrive in the UK during early October, with the numbers building as we go into winter. The birds start to return to their breeding grounds in western Russia and Eastern Europe during March, though some may still remain here up to May.
How do you identify a Fieldfare?
Fieldfares are a members of the thrush family and have the typical characteristics such as stance and a speckled breast. The species is a similar size to a Mistle thrush, but the grey head, grey rump and chestnut back of the Fieldfare helps to easily distinguish it.
How big is a Fieldfare?
Fieldfares are a large thrush and similar in size to a Mistle thrush.
How rare are Fieldfare?
Overall, Fieldfares are not rare in the UK, and over 700,000 of them typically visit the British Isles each winter - though sometimes up to one million. However, Fieldfares are far more likely to be seen in areas where there is abundant food – e.g. hawthorn hedgerows and rowan trees which are full of berries.
Do Fieldfares breed in the UK?
Occasionally Fieldfares have bred in the UK in very small numbers, though the number has declined in the last two decades and now only one or two pairs breed.
Do male and female Fieldfares look the same?
Male and female Fieldfares look very similar and share the same basic plumage colour and markings, but the female's upper parts are browner overall, plus her throat and breast is paler with smaller and fewer markings.