Fieldfare
Scientific Name: Turdus pilarisMaltese Name: Malvizzun tal-Qtajja
Family: Thrushes (Turdidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Fieldfare breeds in woodland and scrub in northern Europe and Asia. It is strongly migratory, with many northern birds moving south during the winter. It is is 22-27 cm long, with a plain brown back, white underwings, and grey rump and rear head. The breast has a reddish wash, and the rest of the underparts are white. The breast and flanks are heavily spotted. It nests in trees, laying several eggs in a neat nest. Unusually for a thrush, they often nest in small colonies, possibly for protection from large crows. Migrating birds and wintering birds often form large flocks, often with Redwings. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects and earthworms in summer, and berries in winter.
Status:
Scarce winter visitor. Numbers are higher in harsher winters.
When to See:
Late October till early March, mostly seen in December/January.
Where to See:
Buskett is the best site to see this species along with other thrush species.
Photographs:
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Fieldfare, Ghadira Nature Reserve, 11th March 1995 |
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