This bold and handsome bird is a common garden visitor, denizen of the local park, bird of hedgerow and woodland, coastal scrub and farmland. It is only absent from the highest peaks, where it is often replaced by the striking Ring Ouzel – an uncommon summer visitor, also known historically as the ‘mountain blackbird’.
One of our commonest birds, Blackbirds can be seen all year-round. Most are resident, though some do move south in the winter. However, the UK population increases significantly each autumn as huge numbers from northern Europe join ‘our’ birds, to spend the relatively milder winter months here.
Get to know the UK’s thrushes, including the Fieldfares and Redwings that flock here for the winter.
Redwings and Fieldfares are both species of thrush and in this feature, we take a look at these and other thrushes that are found in the UK. Read on to find out more about this fascinating family of birds and for ID tips.