Fieldfare

Scientific name: Turdus pilaris

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Medium thrush with distinctive grey head and rump contrasting with chestnut-brown back and dark tail. Underparts are buff-white with heavy dark spotting on breast and flanks; sexes are similar in plumage.

Size and weight

Adults weigh 80–120 g; body length 23–26 cm. Males average slightly heavier than females, though overlap is substantial.

Habitat

Fieldfares breed in open woodlands, birch scrub, and woodland edges across northern regions, typically at lower to mid altitudes. They favour mixed terrain with scattered trees and open ground for foraging.

Distribution

Breeds across northern Eurasia from Scandinavia to eastern Russia. Northern and central European populations migrate south for winter; birds regularly reach Mediterranean and North African regions.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates (earthworms, insects, spiders) during breeding season and switching heavily to berries and fallen fruit in autumn and winter.

Behaviour

Highly social and gregarious, especially in winter when forming large mixed thrush flocks. Diurnal foragers, often seen hopping on ground or perched in trees; vocal birds with distinctive alarm calls when disturbed.

Hunting tips

Look for sign of flocking activity (concentrated droppings, disturbed ground around berry sources) and listen for their loud chatter. Approach from downwind in open terrain; birds are mobile but often return to productive feeding areas. Early morning and late afternoon movements provide best opportunities.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 7 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.