Table of Contents 1.

The Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris, is known to us as a winter migrant; in fact, their name means ‘traveller of the fields’ in reference to their migratory nature. A member of the Thrush family, larger than a Blackbird but similar in size, if not slightly smaller than the resident Mistle Thrush, it is one of the largest of its family to occur in the UK. Characterised visually by a blue-grey head, chestnut brown back, pale grey rump, yellowy breast with black streaks and dark wings with white undersides that are visible in flight, Fieldfares can often be heard before they are seen. Their vocal “chack-chack” chattering call rings out from hedgerows and orchards over the winter months as they gather in flocks to search for fallen fruits and berries.

In truth, they are omnivores, meaning that they will eat just about anything from fruits and berries to seeds, insects and worms. However, in the winter months, they tend to favour calorie-rich fruits and berries over other foods, which are less readily available.

Fieldfares breed on the continent in Northern Europe (Scandinavia, Russia and Eastern Europe), although in some years, one or two pairs have bred in upland areas of the UK too. Unusually for thrushes, Fieldfares will nest in colonies, aggressively defending the nest and even going so far as to pelt intruders with droppings. This gives them greater protection against predators and a higher breeding success rate. Birds typically reach two years of age, breeding at a year old, but staggeringly, the oldest ringed bird was 14 years and eight months old!

They grace our shores between September and April if the conditions are less favourable on the mainland, but often for less time if the weather and berry crop are fair there. They travel and feed in large flocks, sometimes numbering over 200 birds and often mixing with other thrushes like Redwing. Ringing data demonstrates that Fieldfares ringed while visiting the UK have gone on to be found in 18 different countries.

The species is listed as of Least Concern by the IUCN across Europe but was put on the Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern in the UK in 2009. This list is assessed on the most up-to-date evidence available and addresses criteria including historical decline, trends in population and range, rarity, localised distribution and international importance. This allows for better conservation plans to be drawn up, as we have a better idea of how each is faring on UK soil compared to elsewhere.

There are several pieces of folklore associated with these beautiful thrushes, and Chaucer mentioned the ‘frosty fieldfare’ in his 1382 work, The Parlement of Fowls, highlighting their arrival in winter. The arrival of these birds was often linked to the arrival of cold weather, and in Irish they are referred to as siocán or frost bird. For some, this was seen as an omen of harsh winter weather, while for others, the noisy flocks feeding on hedgerow berries appear to be a representation of hope, perseverance and resilience despite the harsh conditions. Yet others await their departure as the signal for the end of winter and the return of warmer days, while fishermen in Dover and Folkestone are said to have heard the sound of migrating Fieldfares and Redwings, and referred to them as ‘herring spear’, an omen of a successful fishing trip.

However you view these lovely migrants, make sure you do it soon – their time on our shores is limited, and it won’t be long before they head back to the continent for the spring!