Turdus viscivorus Linnaeus, 1758 · drozd trskota · Mistle Thrush

Distribution

It occurs in Europe, northern Africa and temperate Asia. In Slovakia it breeds regularly, especially in wooded regions and hills, and some birds remain through winter. Northern and eastern populations move south. Winter encounters consequently reflect both local movements and migration, including birds descending from mountain areas.

Habitat

It favours open woodland, forest margins, large parks and trees beside meadows or pastures. Feeding often takes place on open ground. In winter it may repeatedly visit a particular fruit-bearing or mistletoe-covered tree and remain nearby.

Breeding

The large, mud-lined cup nest is placed in a branch fork or against a trunk. A typical clutch contains 3–5 eggs. The female does most incubation and both parents feed the young, usually raising two broods.

Food

It takes earthworms, insects and other invertebrates, alongside berries and fruit. Mistletoe, rowan and other woody plants become especially important when animal food is less accessible.

Interesting fact

An individual or pair may defend a fruiting tree against other birds as a winter food reserve. By eating mistletoe it also helps distribute seeds to other branches where the plant can germinate.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts