Mistle Thrush (26–28cm, 10–11in)

The Mistle Thrush presents itself as a robust, plump bird, commonly sighted across the expanse of northern Europe. Exhibiting a touch of secrecy compared to its counterparts, Mistle Thrushes gracefully inhabit various habitats including gardens, coniferous forests, parklands, and agricultural landscapes.

Similar to the migration patterns of other thrush species prevalent in Britain, the population of Mistle Thrushes experiences an upsurge during the autumn and winter seasons, often accompanied by the arrival of Continental Mistle Thrushes.

Distinguished by their size, Mistle Thrushes surpass their Song Thrush relatives. Cloaked in hues of greyish-brown, their upperparts and head are adorned with a subtly lighter rump. In flight, their tail reveals a dark hue with distinct white tips. The countenance is marked by a pale grey-white visage, featuring a striking black border outlining the ear-coverts and a prominent white eyering.

The wings exhibit a striking contrast, with black feather centers complemented by broad, pale grey fringes adorning the coverts, tertials, and secondaries. Primary feathers showcase a sleek black hue, delicately fringed with a pale accent. A lengthy tail, tinted in shades of dark grey-brown, extends gracefully, embellished with outer feathers dipped in pristine white.

This depiction captures the distinctive appearance of an adult Mistle Thrush, showcasing its characteristic "pigeon-chested" stance, especially noticeable when the wings and tail are slightly drooped, almost brushing the ground. The striking contrast of bold spotting against the cool grey-brown hue of the upperparts immediately draws the eye, accentuating the bird's unique features. Additionally, the subtle yellow wash adorning the flanks adds a touch of warmth to its overall demeanor.

In this perspective, the prominent black spots adorning the underparts stand out vividly against a backdrop of white to yellowish plumage. The undertail-coverts present a pristine white canvas, occasionally adorned with sparse markings, if any. Noteworthy is the robust black bill with an orange base, distinguishing it from its thrush counterparts. The large, ebony eye adds to its captivating gaze, while the delicate pink legs convey a sense of elegance.

The unmistakable presence of Mistle Thrushes becomes apparent with their impressive size, graceful flight, and the echoing resonance of their distinctive 'football rattle' call. As they soar through the sky, their predominantly grey plumage with a light-colored head catches the eye. A striking contrast is formed by the buffy-grey rump against the dark tail, accentuated by the conspicuous white tips adorning their tail feathers.

Male Mistle Thrushes invariably ascend to the highest branches of a tree to serenade their surroundings. While their song shares similarities with that of the Blackbird, it leans towards a more vigorous and rapid rendition, albeit with a touch less melodiousness. Their vocal performances typically commence from late February to early March, resonating through the breeding season until June.

Young Mistle Thrush juveniles closely resemble their adult counterparts, yet subtle distinctions are readily discernible. Their plumage boasts an array of spots and streaks across the upperparts, imparting a distinctive appearance. Notably, the facial patterns appear less intricate compared to adults, while the underparts exhibit a prominent pale yellowish-buff hue. The wings display pronounced markings, often even more striking than those observed in mature individuals.

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