The Song thrush is as much known for its delightful song as it is its attractive appearance. A species which is now sadly in decline in the UK, the Song thrush’s song is easily recognisable because of the continual repetition of phrases. So three or four renditions of one phrase, then three or four renditions of another. Both male and female Song thrushes are identical, with the speckled breast and warm brown colour of the back making them fairly easily to identify. Note that the speckles on the breast of the Song thrush are smaller, more streaked (almost like arrow heads) and less evenly distributed than on the similar Mistle thrush, which is also a larger bird. Juvenile Song thrushes look fairly similar to adults, though they also have speckles on their backs which the adults don’t have.

What sound does a Song thrush make?

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Song thrush nesting and breeding habits

The nest of the Song thrush tends to be well concealed and in locations such as amongst a climbing plant like ivy, against the trunk of a tree with plenty of cover round it, or even in an old building. The female Song thrush builds the nest alone, which consists of grasses, twigs, moss and roots, then lined with mud to form a neat cup. There are two, sometimes three, broods per season of 4-5 eggs which the female Song thrush mainly broods alone. Both parents feed and tend the young, which leave the nest after twelve to fifteen days.

Song thrush history and population trends

The Song thrush has suffered a moderate decline over the last 50 years or so, with a sharp decline between the mid-60s and mid-90s, then something of a recovery since then. However, numbers are still low relative to historic records and where they should be, so it is currently listed as red status.

Behaviour traits of Song thrushes

A relatively shy and solitary bird, the Song thrush rarely strays too far from cover – other than when they sing which can be from a high and exposed perch. Song thrushes are also fairly territorial, with a breeding territory established in the late winter or early spring. However, both male and female Song thrushes will go outside their territory in order to gather sufficient food for their young. A notable behaviour of the Song thrush is that it will select a specific stone to use as an anvil to smash open the shell of snails in order to get to the soft mollusk inside. This behaviour often gives away the rough location of breeding Song thrushes, as a large accumulation of snail shells can build up around the stone.

Song thrush diet and food

The Song thrush’s diet is largely earthworms and snails, with the latter broken open by the bird smashing the shell against a hard object such a stone. Other food incudes insects and spiders, plus fruit and berries in the colder months. Although regularly seen in gardens, Song thrushes are not easy to attract to feeding stations and won’t, generally, even come onto a bird table or ground tray. However, they will sometimes feed direct from the ground on sunflower hearts and suet pellets spread on a lawn – and especially in harsh winter conditions. Apples placed in a lawn may also attract Song thrushes in the winter months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a Song thrush sing so much?

As with all songbirds, male Song thrushes sing to a) attract a mate, and b) to establish and maintain a territory. In reality Song thrushes probably sing little or no more than most other song birds, but the fact the song is so memorable and coupled with the fact it’s usually carried out from a high and obvious perch, means we might perceive the species sings more than others.

How do I attract Song thrushes to my garden?

The key to attracting Song thrushes to gardens is suitable habitat which provides cover, potential breeding sites and, crucially, a source of natural food and notably snails (so never use snail and slug killing pellets). So dense shrubs and hedging, wild flower areas, plus habitat piles which include rotting wood etc. In the winter months, song thrushes can also be attracted by berries – e.g. on a hawthorn bush – fallen apples on the ground, and by food put out for them such as sunflower hearts (on a bird table, ground tray or straight on the ground).

Where do Song thrushes go in winter?

The answer is largely dependent on weather, with mild winter conditions meaning that most Song thrushes will remain in their same area of the UK. However, harsh and very cold conditions will see more Song thrushes heading south, with some going as far as Spain.

Do Song thrushes mate for life?

No, Song thrushes do not mate for life, though they are monogamous during a single breeding season.

Do Song thrushes fly in flocks?

Outside of the breeding season, Song thrushes sometimes form small and loose groups, but typically are more likely to be see alone. The only exception which would qualify as flying as a flock, is during any migration over the English Channel (see answer above about when migration might happen).

Song thrush or Mistle thrush?

Although both species are similar, there are some obvious differences to help distinguish the two. Firstly, the Song thrush is notably smaller than the Mistle thrush. Next look at the breast marking, which on the Song thrush are more streaked and almost like arrow heads, especially towards the throat, whereas on the Mistle thrush they are more like spots. The breast markings of the Song thrush are also slightly less even in their distribution compared to the Mitsle thrush. Now look at the colour of the back, and top of the wings and tail, with the Song thrush's being a warm brown, whereas the Mistle thrush's is more of a dull brown-grey.