BIRD OF THE MONTH.

Text and photographs by Kevin Collins

Mistle Thrush feeding on Hawthorn at Rathronan, Clonmel on 19.12.2007

Description. 

Two types of thrush are resident in Tipperary, the Mistle Thrush and the Song Thrush. The Mistle Thrush is the larger of the two and is much more grey-brown in colour and is more boldly spotted on the underside. The Song Thrush has warmer brown plumage. The under-wing of the Mistle Thrush is white when seen in flight whereas the under-wing of the Song Thrush is orangey-yellow.

The Mistle Thrush has a distinctive alarm call which sounds like machine gun fire. They give this call when magpies or hooded crows come near their nest.

Status & Distribution. 

The Mistle Thrush is widespread and common in Tipperary. It is resident throughout the year and is found in woodlands, gardens and farmland with hedgerows. They build a large nest of grass and moss and often site it in an exposed position. Most nests in Tipperary contain 3 to 4 eggs.