Thrushes in Dorset
6 species matching this filter.
Dorset's varied landscape of heathlands, ancient woodlands, hedgerows and coastal cliffs provides excellent habitat for six species of thrush. Resident favourites such as the Blackbird and Song Thrush can be enjoyed year-round, while winter visitors including Fieldfare and Redwing flock to the county's berry-rich hedgerows. For a broader look at the family across the country, see our Thrushes In The UK (Complete Guide with Pictures).
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
An abundant resident found in virtually every Dorset habitat from gardens to woodland. Numbers swell in autumn with Continental migrants.
Year-round
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
A winter visitor arriving in noisy flocks from Scandinavia, often seen stripping berries from hedgerows across Dorset's farmland from October to March.
Oct–Mar
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon resident that sings boldly from treetops even in midwinter. Favours parkland, orchards, and open woodland edges across Dorset.
Year-round
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
A winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from October and feeding in hedgerows and berry-laden fields. Often found alongside fieldfares in Dorset's farmland.
Oct–Mar
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare passage migrant seen briefly in April and October, mainly along the Purbeck coast and downland. The male's white breast crescent is distinctive.
Oct–Apr
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident heard singing from gardens and hedgerows across the county. Often spotted smashing snail shells on favourite stones.
Year-round