Song Thrush look-alikes
Turdus philomelos
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Song Thrush. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorus
Key differences
The Mistle Thrush is larger, paler, and greyer overall, with rounder, bolder spots on the breast and flanks that are less arrow-shaped. It has prominent white underwing coverts (not rufous-orange) and a more upright posture. Its song is also fluty but less varied and more melancholic, often described as 'flute-like' but without the repetition of phrases.
Redwing
Turdus iliacus
Key differences
The Redwing is smaller than the Song Thrush, with a prominent creamy supercilium and distinctive rufous-orange flanks and underwing coverts. Its breast spotting is finer and less extensive. Its song is simpler, often a short, fluty whistle, and its call is a distinctive 'tseep'.
Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
Key differences
Adult male Blackbirds are entirely black with an orange bill and eye-ring. Females are dark brown with a duller bill and some streaking on the throat. Blackbirds lack the extensive spotting of the Song Thrush. Their song is rich and fluty but lacks the repetitive phrases of the Song Thrush.
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