Song thrush (Turdus philomelos)

Introduction
This medium-sized sparrow belongs to the Turdites family, this large family includes 17 genera with 167 different varieties. Partially migratory, some individuals, however, are sedentary, mainly central European thrushes. The Wintering Grounds are mainly located in Western and Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
This medium-sized sparrow belongs to the Turdites family, this large family includes 17 genera with 167 different varieties. Partially migratory, some individuals, however, are sedentary, mainly central European thrushes. The Wintering Grounds are mainly located in Western and Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
Appearance
The bird is stocky, possessing a short tail and pale plumage. The upperparts are uniformly brown in color. We distinguish a reddish shade on the crown, the wings. The uppertail coverts tend to be grey. The dark eye rimmed with pale is significant of the species. The belly is creamy-white dotted with blackish spots. The legs are pink in color, the juveniles are difficult to distinguish from the adult, however, there is a plumage of a warmer brown.
Measurement
Size: 22 cm
Wingspan: 33 to 36 cm
Weight: between 65 and 90 g
Longevity: 15 years
Nesting and reproduction
Nesting period: April to July
Number of broods: 2-3
Number of eggs: 3-6 pale blue eggs with black spots
Brood length: 12-14 days
1st flight: 12-15 days
Food
The thrush feeds mainly on worms, slugs, snails, not refusing from time to time a delicious caterpillar. During the less abundant seasons, it directs this food towards berries or other small fruits that the bird has in the orchards. The bird mainly seeks its food on the ground, very skilful, it sometimes uses a stone to break the snail shell which it adores very much. This singular behavior is specific to it, indeed the other varieties of thrushes are incapable of it.
Behavior
Common species, the bird is particularly discreet, very fearful most of the time, difficult to approach. However, during the singing period, some males are less vigilant, so we can try to closely observe the animal. However, at the slightest warning, the thrush will flee without hesitation. Song thrushes are extremely territorial during the nesting period. The male vocally asserts his presence and the limits of his territory. Like all turdids, at the end of the afternoon the vocal activity becomes clearly more intense and we better understand the name song thrushes.
Reproduction
Pairs nest in deciduous trees, such as found in groves, parks and gardens. Sedentary birds begin breeding in early spring. The males come first on the scene, and quickly establish their territory. A few days later, it is the turn of the females, they choose a partner and start building the nest. The couple uses intertwined stems and twigs for construction.
The nest is easily recognizable, its bottom is totally smooth devoid of any material that could hurt their offspring, the outside is covered with a dried cob consisting essentially of clay, silt and saliva. The female will lay an average of 3 to 6 eggs.
She will incubate them for a period of 12 to 14 days. The juveniles are fed by the parents for 14 days. Then they will attempt their first outing, go ashore where the parents will continue to feed them for a good 3 weeks. The mother generally takes care of only 3 young, she will not hesitate to chase the other chicks.
The bird is stocky, possessing a short tail and pale plumage. The upperparts are uniformly brown in color. We distinguish a reddish shade on the crown, the wings. The uppertail coverts tend to be grey. The dark eye rimmed with pale is significant of the species. The belly is creamy-white dotted with blackish spots. The legs are pink in color, the juveniles are difficult to distinguish from the adult, however, there is a plumage of a warmer brown.
Measurement
Size: 22 cm
Wingspan: 33 to 36 cm
Weight: between 65 and 90 g
Longevity: 15 years
Nesting and reproduction
Nesting period: April to July
Number of broods: 2-3
Number of eggs: 3-6 pale blue eggs with black spots
Brood length: 12-14 days
1st flight: 12-15 days
Food
The thrush feeds mainly on worms, slugs, snails, not refusing from time to time a delicious caterpillar. During the less abundant seasons, it directs this food towards berries or other small fruits that the bird has in the orchards. The bird mainly seeks its food on the ground, very skilful, it sometimes uses a stone to break the snail shell which it adores very much. This singular behavior is specific to it, indeed the other varieties of thrushes are incapable of it.
Behavior
Common species, the bird is particularly discreet, very fearful most of the time, difficult to approach. However, during the singing period, some males are less vigilant, so we can try to closely observe the animal. However, at the slightest warning, the thrush will flee without hesitation. Song thrushes are extremely territorial during the nesting period. The male vocally asserts his presence and the limits of his territory. Like all turdids, at the end of the afternoon the vocal activity becomes clearly more intense and we better understand the name song thrushes.
Reproduction
Pairs nest in deciduous trees, such as found in groves, parks and gardens. Sedentary birds begin breeding in early spring. The males come first on the scene, and quickly establish their territory. A few days later, it is the turn of the females, they choose a partner and start building the nest. The couple uses intertwined stems and twigs for construction.
The nest is easily recognizable, its bottom is totally smooth devoid of any material that could hurt their offspring, the outside is covered with a dried cob consisting essentially of clay, silt and saliva. The female will lay an average of 3 to 6 eggs.
She will incubate them for a period of 12 to 14 days. The juveniles are fed by the parents for 14 days. Then they will attempt their first outing, go ashore where the parents will continue to feed them for a good 3 weeks. The mother generally takes care of only 3 young, she will not hesitate to chase the other chicks.