Species Profile

Ring Ouzel

Turdus torquatus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

2–4 years^[4]

Length

23–24 cm

Weight

90–138 g

Wingspan

38–42 cm

Migration

Long-distance Migrant

A mountain thrush with a distinctive white crescent, often called the "mountain blackbird" for its remote, high-altitude habitat preference.

Also known as: Mountain Blackbird

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Appearance

The Ring Ouzel is a striking thrush with a distinctive white crescent on its breast. Males are predominantly black with silvery-grey wing edges, while females are browner with a less prominent breast band.

Females are similar to female Blackbirds but have a creamy crescent-shaped bib, smaller than the males. Both sexes have brownish-yellow bills and grey-brown legs.

Juveniles resemble females but have scaly patterns on their upperparts. During winter, both sexes develop pale fringes on their feathers, giving them a more mottled appearance.

From a distance, they can resemble Blackbirds, but Ring Ouzels are smaller and have longer tails.

Identification & Characteristics

Male Colors

Primary: Black
Secondary: Grey
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Brown

Female Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: Grey
Beak: Yellow
Legs: Brown

Female Markings

Less prominent white crescent on breast

Attributes

Agility85/100

Strength60/100

Adaptability75/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance80/100

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

Ring Ouzels inhabit mountainous regions across Europe and Asia, favouring open, rocky areas with scattered vegetation. They breed in upland areas of Scandinavia, the UK, and central Europe.

During winter, they migrate to the Mediterranean region and North Africa. In the UK, they are summer visitors found in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, and Wales.

Dartmoor, north-west Wales, northern England and the north of Scotland offer the best chances of seeing a temporary resident Ring Ouzel. At the same time, along the east and southern coasts, migration passage sightings are recorded each spring and autumn.

Distribution

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Diet

Ring Ouzels primarily feed on invertebrates, including earthworms, spiders, leatherjackets, beetles, and caterpillars. They also consume a variety of berries, especially during autumn migration and in winter. They often forage on the ground, running and pausing to search for prey.

During autumn migration, juniper berries form the most important element of a ring ouzel’s diet, and the availability of the fruit is a major influence over their migration routes and final destinations.

Small reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals may occasionally be caught on the ground and eaten.

Behaviour

Ring Ouzels are typically shy and wary birds. They often perch conspicuously on rocks or bushes, bobbing their tails and giving alarm calls when disturbed.

During migration, they may form small flocks but are generally solitary or found in pairs during the breeding season.

Calls & Sounds

The Ring Ouzel's song is a melancholic, fluty warble, often delivered from a prominent perch. It's similar to a Blackbird's song but more limited in range and variety.

Their alarm call is a sharp, repeated 'tac-tac-tac' or 'chack-chack', distinctive in their upland habitats.

Nesting & Breeding

Ring Ouzels form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in April. Males establish territories and attract females with their melodious songs.

Nests are built on or close to the ground, often in heather, rocky crevices or under overhanging banks. The cup-shaped nest is made of grass, moss, and mud. Females lay 3-5 pale greenish-blue eggs with reddish-brown spots.

Incubation lasts about 14 days and is primarily carried out by females. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 12-14 days. Some pairs may produce two broods in a season.

Conservation

While listed as Least Concern globally, Ring Ouzels have experienced significant declines in parts of their range, particularly in the UK. Habitat loss due to changes in upland land management and climate change are key threats.

Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable breeding habitats.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 597,000 - 1,200,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Stable^[2]

Elevation

Up to 3,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Main predators include birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Merlins, as well as foxes and stoats, which may raid nests for eggs and chicks.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Ring Ouzels in upland areas, particularly on rocky slopes with scattered vegetation.
Listen for their distinctive 'tac-tac-tac' alarm call, which often reveals their presence.
In the UK, search for them during spring and autumn migrations in coastal areas and inland hills.
Be patient and move slowly, as they can be quite shy and quick to flee.

Did You Know?

Ring Ouzels can fly at speeds of up to 32 km/h (around 20 mph) during migration.
They are known as 'Mountain Blackbirds' due to their preference for high-altitude habitats.
Ring Ouzels have specialised gut bacteria that help them digest berries efficiently during migration.