Mistle Thrush or Song Thrush?

General appearance

The mistle thrush is a large, robust bird, measuring around 10-11 inches long. It has a pale, cream-colored underside adorned with round, dark spots. It has a distinct greyish-brown back and wings, a creamy-white belly and chest peppered with round dark spots and, is known for its long, thin legs and sizable, yellow bill. It features a white marking under the wing, visible in flight.

Male vs female

Male and female mistle thrushes are similar in size and coloration. Both sexes show a speckled chest and belly, pale underparts contrasted with a darker back, and long legs. There is no discernable sexual dimorphism in plumage color or patterns making it difficult to differentiate between the sexes.

Juvenile

Juvenile mistle thrushes bear a similar resemblance to adults but are slightly smaller. Their plumage features more dull colors compared to adults and spots on the underparts are more blurred, giving them a scaly appearance. These differences fade as they reach maturity after their first molt which happens in late summer.

Primary habitat

The mistle thrush primarily lives in forests, parks, and gardens throughout Europe and parts of Asia.

Additional range

It can adapt to a variety of climates, from colder northern regions to warmer southern areas. Unexpectedly, the mistle thrush also occupies urban areas.

Natural diet

The mistle thrush primarily feeds on a variety of natural food sources. It has a strong preference for berries and fruits, particularly mistletoe, hence its name. It also consumes other fruits like rowan, holly, and hawthorn. In addition to fruits, the mistle thrush eats invertebrates such as earthworms, snails, and insects. During the winter months, when fruits are less abundant, it relies more on seeds and invertebrates.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the mistle thrush is less commonly seen compared to other thrush species, but it may occasionally visit. Common foods it consumes at feeders include suet, peanuts, and a variety of seeds. It may also feed on bread and fruits like apple slices if available. Though it is not a frequent feeder visitor, its adaptable diet allows it to exploit these resources when natural foods are scarce.