Thrushes in Durham
6 species matching this filter.
Durham is home to six species of thrush, ranging from the familiar Blackbird and Song Thrush found in gardens and hedgerows to scarcer visitors like the Ring Ouzel on the county's upland moorlands. The varied landscape of Durham — from the Pennine hills in the west to lowland farmland and coastal areas in the east — provides excellent habitat for both resident and wintering thrush species. For a broader overview of this much-loved bird family, see our Thrushes In The UK (Complete Guide with Pictures).
Blackbird
Turdus merulaLC
One of Durham's most familiar garden birds, resident year-round. Continental migrants bolster numbers in autumn and winter.
Year-round
Fieldfare
Turdus pilarisLC
An uncommon winter visitor from Scandinavia, often seen in noisy flocks on farmland and berry-laden hedgerows from October to April.
Oct–Apr
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorusLC
An uncommon but widespread resident of parkland and open woodland. Often sings from exposed treetops even in midwinter.
Year-round
Redwing
Turdus iliacusNT
An uncommon winter visitor from Scandinavia, arriving from October and lingering into spring. Feeds on berries in hedgerows alongside fieldfares.
Sep–Apr
Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatusLC
A rare summer breeder on the high Pennine moorlands of western Durham. Look for its distinctive white breast crescent on rocky crags in spring.
Apr–Jun
Song Thrush
Turdus philomelosLC
A common resident of gardens, hedgerows and woodland across Durham. Its melodious, repetitive song is heard from late winter onwards.
Year-round