A - Z Garden Bird Identification Index
(Turdus pilaris)
The Fieldfare is a striking winter visitor to the UK, arriving from Scandinavia, western Russia and eastern Europe as temperatures begin to drop.
What does a Fieldfare look like?
Length: 24–26cm.
The Fieldfare is one of the UK's larger thrushes, slightly bigger than a Blackbird. It has a distinctive blue-grey head and rump, chestnut-brown back and wings, and a dark black tail. Its breast is a warm yellow-orange colour, covered in dark brown or black spots and streaks, with a pale belly.
Both males and females have similar colouring, although males can sometimes appear slightly more boldly marked. Their upright posture and distinctive plumage make them relatively easy to identify once you know what to look for.
Fieldfares are sometimes confused with Redwings, particularly as the two species often feed together during winter. However, Fieldfares are noticeably larger, with a blue-grey head and rump, whereas Redwings are smaller and have distinctive orange-red flanks and a creamy stripe above each eye.
What is the difference between a fieldfare and a mistle thrush?
Fieldfares and Mistle Thrushes can sometimes be confused due to their similar size and spotted breasts, but there are a few easy ways to tell them apart. Fieldfares have a distinctive blue-grey head and rump, chestnut-brown back and a yellow-orange breast with dark spots. Mistle Thrushes are more grey-brown overall, with a paler breast covered in larger, round dark spots. Mistle Thrushes are also resident in the UK all year, whereas Fieldfares are mainly winter visitors, arriving from northern and eastern Europe.
Fieldfare call and song – What does a fieldfare sound like?
Fieldfares are particularly noisy birds, and their distinctive calls can often be heard before you spot them. Listen out for their loud, chuckling 'schack-schack-schack' call, which is commonly heard when flocks are flying overhead or suddenly taking flight from trees and hedgerows.
Where and when do fieldfares nest?
Most Fieldfares visiting the UK do not breed here. They spend the winter feeding across the British countryside before returning to their breeding grounds in northern and eastern Europe during spring.
Breeding generally takes place between April and July. Fieldfares are unusual among many thrushes as they often nest in small colonies, with several pairs choosing to breed relatively close together. Their nests are usually built in trees or shrubs, using grasses, twigs and moss, with a softer lining.
The female typically lays five to six eggs, which she incubates for around 11–14 days. Once hatched, both parents help feed the chicks, which usually leave the nest after around 12–16 days.
A very small number of Fieldfares occasionally breed in upland parts of the UK, particularly in Scotland, but they remain an exceptionally rare breeding species here.
Fieldfare habitat
Fieldfares favour open countryside, particularly areas with plenty of hedgerows, woodland edges, farmland and grassland. They are especially fond of places where berry-producing trees and shrubs provide plenty of natural food throughout the colder months.
During autumn and winter, they are often seen in large flocks moving between fields and hedgerows in search of berries and fallen fruit. They particularly favour hawthorn, rowan and holly, although their diet will depend on which food sources are available.
As the winter progresses, Fieldfares may also venture into parks, orchards and gardens, particularly during severe weather when snow or frozen ground makes natural food harder to find. They often gather in mixed flocks with Redwings, making winter a particularly good time to spot both species together.
When do fieldfares arrive in the UK?
Fieldfares usually begin arriving in the UK from October, with the largest numbers appearing during November and December. They migrate from Scandinavia, northern and eastern Europe as temperatures begin to drop, spending the winter here before returning to their breeding grounds in spring, usually around March or April.
How long do fieldfares live for?
The average life expectancy of a Fieldfare reaching breeding age is around two years, although some individuals live considerably longer.
Like many migratory birds, Fieldfares face a number of challenges throughout their lives, including long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds, changing weather conditions and the availability of suitable food.
What do fieldfares eat in the wild?
Fieldfares have a varied diet that changes throughout the year. During autumn and winter, berries and fallen fruit make up a large part of their diet, providing an important source of energy when temperatures drop.
They particularly like Hawthorn berries, Rowan berries, Holly berries, Juniper berries and fallen apples and other soft fruits. They also forage for invertebrates, including earthworms, slugs, insects and other small creatures, often searching through grassland and soft ground for food.
What to feed fieldfares in the garden?
Although Fieldfares are not regular visitors to traditional hanging bird feeders, you may be lucky enough to spot them in your garden during the winter months, particularly when cold weather makes natural food harder to find.
Unlike many familiar garden birds, Fieldfares prefer feeding on the ground, where they can search for fallen fruit, berries and invertebrates. Offering suitable foods in a quiet, open area of the garden can provide an additional source of nourishment.
Where should you feed fieldfares?
Feeders – Not suitable
Table – Not suitable
Ground – Scattered food in open areas is easily taken
How to attract fieldfares to your garden
If you'd like to encourage Fieldfares into your garden, the best approach is to provide natural food sources and a welcoming environment throughout the winter.
Planting native berry-producing trees and shrubs, such as hawthorn, rowan and holly, can provide an important source of food when other supplies become harder to find. These plants will also attract a variety of other garden birds, making them a worthwhile addition to any wildlife-friendly garden.
Leaving some fallen fruit beneath fruit trees can also help attract these winter visitors. Apples and pears are particularly useful, providing an additional food source when natural berries become scarce.
Providing a shallow bird bath with fresh, clean water is another simple way to support visiting birds throughout the colder months. Remember to check it regularly during freezing weather to ensure the water remains accessible.
Fieldfares can be easily startled, so try to give them a quiet place to feed away from busy areas of the garden. With suitable food, natural cover and a little patience, you may be lucky enough to welcome these colourful winter visitors into your garden.
