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Mistle Thrush

Turdus viscivorus

The Mistle Thrush is a friendly bird that loves to sing. It has a lovely spotted belly and can often be seen in gardens and parks, especially during the winter when it searches for berries.

Habitat: Urban areas, Gardens

Appearance

The Mistle Thrush is a large, pale thrush with a grey-brown back and creamy white underparts heavily patterned with bold, round, dark spots. It has a distinctive pale patch under its wings, visible in flight. Its upright posture and slightly longer tail distinguish it from other thrushes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTurdidaeGenusTurdus
Mistle Thrush
feathered trait badgespotted trait badgesocial trait badgeomnivorous trait badge
Mistle Thrush

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A Mistle Thrush will defend a single berry tree, making sure no other birds eat its precious food.

Mistle Thrushes love mistletoe berries so much, their common name comes from this favorite treat.

They build sturdy cup-shaped nests using grass, moss, and even mud, often high up in tree forks.

This bird is sometimes called the 'Stormcock' because it sings its beautiful song even during gales!

Special abilities

Ability

Seed Spreader

Mistle Thrush can digest fruit pulp but not seeds, helping them spread plant seeds far and wide!

Ability

Storm Singer

Mistle Thrush has a loud, fluting song that can be heard even in stormy weather, earning it the nickname 'stormcock'.

Ability

Berry Defender

Mistle Thrush can aggressively defend a berry-laden tree from other birds, ensuring a steady food supply.

Measurements & details

Length
27-29 cm
Wingspan
42-48 cm
Weight
0.094-0.16 kg
Lifespan
2-8 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
3-6
Incubation
12-15 days
Migration Distance
3000 km

Diet & Feeding

This thrush enjoys a mix of invertebrates like worms and insects, plus tasty berries and fruits.

Age differences: Juvenile Mistle Thrushes are fed a diet mainly of insects by their parents.

Primary Foods

  • earthworms
  • beetles
  • snails
  • mistletoe berries
  • hawthorn berries
  • fallen apples

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch or chase them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Mistle Thrush?

27-29 cm

What is Mistle Thrush's wingspan?

42-48 cm

How much does Mistle Thrush weigh?

0.094-0.16 kg

How long does Mistle Thrush live?

2-8 years

How fast can Mistle Thrush move?

50 km/h

What does Mistle Thrush eat?

This thrush enjoys a mix of invertebrates like worms and insects, plus tasty berries and fruits.

Where is Mistle Thrush usually found?

Urban areas, Gardens

How does Mistle Thrush hunt?

Foraging

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