Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) lives in woodland and scrub across Northern Europe and Asia. It feeds on insects and berries. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
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Fieldfares are almost absent as breeders in Britain, yet in winter they arrive in massive numbers, filling fields and gardens across the United Kingdom. The species migrates southwards in October and the bulk of birds reach the UK in November, joining large flocks that use open country, agricultural land, orchards and open woodland. They also winter in Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, where similar habitats provide abundant berries and insects.
Fieldfares often build their nests in small colonies, clustering together rather than isolating, which may help protect them from predators. The nest is a cup-shaped structure built in a tree and typically contains five or six eggs. Adults defend these nests aggressively, even dropping faeces onto intruders, and the close grouping is thought to offer additional safety against predation.
When threatened, adult fieldfares aggressively defend their nest by dropping faeces onto predators. Nesting gregariously may also give them added protection.
In flight the fieldfare emits a harsh "tsak tsak" call that is instantly recognisable. The sound is a distinctive part of its aerial display.
The global population of fieldfares is estimated at between forty-four and ninety-six million individuals. Even the lower estimate means there are over forty million birds worldwide.
Sources
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As the winter months unfold, the fieldfare emerges as a fleeting yet resplendent visitor to the frozen landscapes of Europe, its slate-grey back and chestnut-brown breast a striking testament to its nomadic spirit. With a fluid, ground-hugging gait, it moves through the snow-encrusted fields and hedgerows, its bright, inquisitive eyes ever-vigilant for the hidden treasures of berries and insects that will sustain it on its journey. In its annual migrations, the fieldfare weaves a remarkable tapestry of movement and survival, a true marvel of endurance and adaptability in the harsh yet beautiful world of winter.
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