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[[Image:Song_Thrush.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by Juninho]] | [[Image:Song_Thrush.jpg|thumb|350px|right|Photo by Juninho]] | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | + | The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), also known in dialects as a throstle, or mavis, is a common European member of the thrush family Turdidae. | |
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| + | It is commonly found in well-vegetated woods and gardens over all of Europe south of the Arctic circle, except Iberia. They have also been introduced to New Zealand and Australia. They are common and widespread in NZ however in Australia only a small population around Melbourne survives. Many birds move south during the winter, although some western populations are resident. This species has also been introduced in other parts of the world. | ||
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| + | Song Thrushes are omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, snails and berries. They often use a favourite stone as an "anvil" to smash snail shells against. | ||
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| + | They do not form flocks, although several birds may be loosely associated in suitable habitat. | ||
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| + | Song Thrushes, at about 22–23 cm long and 70–90 g in weight, are smaller than Blackbirds, Turdus merula. Sexes are similar, with plain brown backs and neatly spotted underparts. The breast is washed with buff. | ||
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| + | They nest in bushes or hedges, laying four or five eggs (bright glossy blue with black spots) in a neat cup-shaped nest lined with clay. The female incubates for about 14 days; the young fledge in about the same time. Song Thrushes may raise two or three broods in a year | ||
==Habitats== | ==Habitats== | ||
Revision as of 11:18, 11 May 2007
- Turdus philomelos
Description
The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), also known in dialects as a throstle, or mavis, is a common European member of the thrush family Turdidae.
It is commonly found in well-vegetated woods and gardens over all of Europe south of the Arctic circle, except Iberia. They have also been introduced to New Zealand and Australia. They are common and widespread in NZ however in Australia only a small population around Melbourne survives. Many birds move south during the winter, although some western populations are resident. This species has also been introduced in other parts of the world.
Song Thrushes are omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, snails and berries. They often use a favourite stone as an "anvil" to smash snail shells against.
They do not form flocks, although several birds may be loosely associated in suitable habitat.
Song Thrushes, at about 22–23 cm long and 70–90 g in weight, are smaller than Blackbirds, Turdus merula. Sexes are similar, with plain brown backs and neatly spotted underparts. The breast is washed with buff.
They nest in bushes or hedges, laying four or five eggs (bright glossy blue with black spots) in a neat cup-shaped nest lined with clay. The female incubates for about 14 days; the young fledge in about the same time. Song Thrushes may raise two or three broods in a year
Habitats
Woods, hedges, gardens, tends to avoid wide open spaces.
Breeding
Grassy cup lined with mud, low in bush, tree or hedge. 2-3 Broods per year.
Food
Worms, Snails, Fruit, Berries.
Song/Voice
Song very loud, consisting of short phrases repeated 2-4 times.
When
All year round
Identification
Location: Saltburn woods,Cleveland L 20�22 cm. Breeds in lush woodland, parks and well-vegetated gardens. N populations migratory, winter in W and S Europe. Often rather tame. Food snails, insects, worms. Nest, often well concealed in e.g. ivy, hedge, on bank, a moss-clad bowl with smooth grey interior (of clay and decayed wood).
Introduced
Introduced into Australia between1850 and1880.Now found in Melbourne-Geelong region.Status:Rare.
Originally posted by Dimitris
Bird Song
<flashmp3>Turdus philomelos (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
