The Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) 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 a very rare breeder in Great Britain and Ireland, but winters in large numbers in these countries.
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.
The Fieldfare is a large thrush. Males and females look alike, with plain brown backs and grey rump and rear head. Underwings are white. Underparts are spotted, with a reddish wash to the breast.
It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects and earthworms in summer, and berries in winter.
The male has a simple chattering song, and a chattering flight and alarm call. Its name derives from the Anglo-Saxon feld-fere meaning traveler through the fields, probably named so for their constantly moving, foraging habits.
