The fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) is a medium-sized thrush that is a winter visitor to the United Kingdom, North America, and other parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It measures about 10 inches (25 cm) in length, with a wingspan of about 18 inches (46 cm). The fieldfare weighs approximately 3.5 ounces (100 grams) and has a plump, round body shape.
Fieldfares are easy to identify with their distinctive gray-blue head and nape, chestnut-brown back and wings, and white underparts. They have a bold black eye mask and a bright orange-yellow beak. Their rump is a bright white, which is visible when they take off in flight.
The fieldfare is a migratory bird that breeds in northern Europe and Asia and winters in western Europe and Asia. They begin to arrive in the UK in October and typically stay until April, when they return to their breeding grounds. In North America, they are rare visitors during the winter months.
During the winter, fieldfares can be found in a variety of habitats, including farmland, orchards, and hedgerows. They are often seen in flocks, which can number in the hundreds or even thousands. They feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and berries.
In addition to their distinctive appearance, fieldfares are known for their melodious and fluty song. They are also highly social birds, and their flocking behavior and vocalizations can make them a joy to watch and listen to during the winter months.