Song Thrush
Scientific Name: Turdus philomelosMaltese Name: Malvizz
Family: Thrushes and Chats (Turdidae)
Occurence: Common
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Song thrush is one of the most popular and widespread thrushes throughout Europe. It has dark brown upperparts and a yellow buff under parts with a few spots. It feeds by hoping and running across open ground, taking earthworms and other insects. It often picks snails and it eats their flesh by slamming the poor snails on a rock with its beak! Often eats berries and fruit. It has a short, quick tsik call which is often heard. It builds its nest in a grassy cup situated in a low bush, hedge or tree where it lays 3-5 eggs. It breeds in almost all of Europe. It is also resident in some countries while populations of far north migrate to the Mediterranean for the winter.
Status:
The Song Thrush is a common autumn and winter bird. Influxes occur. One should note that the Song Thrush is a heavily hunted bird, targeted by many hunters during autumn migration and winter.
When to See:
Migrants pass through in autumn with October certainly being the best month, when large numbers pass through. Some birds overwinter until March, small return passage may occur in spring.
Where to See:
Prefers wooded areas and overgrown valleys. Buskett is one of the best sites amongst many others. Up to 30+ birds may overwinter at Buskett only until March. Valleys are very good too during autumn but only a few individuals or none at all manage to successfully overwinter as they end up being hunted.
Photographs:
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Song Thrush, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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| Song Thrush, Buskett | Song Thrush, Comino |
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