Species Profile

Mistle Thrush

Turdus viscivorus

Mistle Thrush

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

3–5 years

Length

26–29 cm

Weight

93–167 g

Wingspan

45–50 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

With its bold speckled breast and fearless defense of food sources, this stocky thrush can be spotted across woodlands and gardens in Europe and Asia.

Also known as: Stormcock

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Appearance

The Mistle Thrush is a large, stocky thrush with greyish-brown upperparts and a white underside marked with bold, dark spots. Its head features a slight greyish tinge, and its long tail has white corners visible in flight. Legs are yellowish-brown, and the bill is dark grey-brown.

Both sexes look similar, with juveniles showing a more spotted appearance on their upperparts. The bird's plumage remains consistent throughout the year, with no significant seasonal changes.

The underside of the wings is white, which is a key way of identifying the species from the Song Thrush, which has buffish-orange underwings.

Identification & Characteristics

Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: White
Beak: Brown
Legs: Brown

Attributes

Agility75/100

Strength65/100

Adaptability80/100

Aggression85/100

Endurance70/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Mistle Thrushes inhabit many wooded habitats across Europe and parts of Asia. They prefer open woodlands, parklands, and large gardens with scattered trees. These birds are also found in orchards and hedgerows.

In the UK, they are resident year-round, while northern and eastern populations may migrate south for winter. They are widespread across Britain and Ireland, adapting well to human-modified landscapes.

Distribution

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Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

United Kingdom

Wales

England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

Cambridgeshire

Rutland

Bedfordshire

Buckinghamshire

Berkshire

Cheshire

Cumbria

Derbyshire

Devon

Dorset

Durham

Gloucestershire

East Riding of Yorkshire

Essex

East Sussex

Hampshire

Herefordshire

Hertfordshire

Isle of Wight

Kent

Merseyside

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London

Manchester

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Northamptonshire

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South Yorkshire

Tyne and Wear

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Shropshire

Somerset

Surrey

Staffordshire

Warwickshire

Wiltshire

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Worcestershire

West Sussex

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Diet

Mistle Thrushes primarily feed on invertebrates, including worms, snails, spiders, insects and their larvae. They also consume various fruits, particularly berries and mistletoe berries, which they fiercely defend. In winter, they may switch to a more fruit-based diet when invertebrates are scarce.

Behaviour

Mistle Thrushes are known for their bold and aggressive behaviour. They fiercely defend fruit-bearing trees and bushes against other birds. They often perch conspicuously on high branches, especially during their breeding season.

These birds typically forage on the ground, running and pausing in an alert, upright stance.

Calls & Sounds

The Mistle Thrush has a distinctive, far-carrying song consisting of short, repeated phrases with brief pauses. It's often described as a loud, fluty warble, "chur-chur-trrrrrr-chur-chur."

Their alarm call is a harsh, rattling "chack-chack-chack," giving rise to their nickname "Stormcock" for singing during rough weather.

Nesting & Breeding

Mistle Thrushes begin their breeding season in early spring, with males establishing territories through song. Pairs often form long-term bonds. They typically nest in the fork of a tree or on a branch, sometimes quite high up (up to 30ft).

The nest is a sturdy cup made of twigs, grass, and moss, lined with finer materials. Females lay 3-5 pale blue or greenish eggs with reddish-brown spots. Both parents share incubation duties.

Incubation lasts about 12-15 days, carried out solely by the female, with chicks fledging after another 14-16 days. Mistle Thrushes often raise two broods per season, fiercely defending their nesting area from potential predators.

Conservation

While listed as Least Concern globally, Mistle Thrush populations have declined in some areas, particularly in the UK. Habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices are potential threats. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable woodland and parkland habitats.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 13,750,000 - 29,800,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Decreasing^[2]

Elevation

Up to 600 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators of Mistle Thrushes include Sparrowhawks, cats, and corvids such as Magpies and Jays, which may prey on eggs and nestlings.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Mistle Thrushes in open woodlands, parks, and large gardens
Listen for their distinctive rattling call, often given from treetops
Observe their aggressive behaviour when defending food sources
In the UK, watch for them singing from high perches, even in stormy weather

Did You Know?

Mistle Thrushes get their name from their fondness for mistletoe berries.
They are known as "Stormcocks" for their habit of singing from treetops during stormy weather.
Other names include 'Jeremy Joy' because it sings early in the year (thought to be a play on the phrase ‘January joy’) and ‘Big Mavis’, an old English dialect word for a thrush.
Mistle Thrushes are one of the earliest nesting birds in Europe, sometimes starting as early as February.