Where does the Fieldfare live?
Turdus pilaris
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Open the appThe Fieldfare lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Boreal forests, taiga, open woodlands, farmland, orchards, parks, gardens, and heathland.
Geographic range
Breeds across northern Eurasia, from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe eastward through Siberia to northeastern Asia. Winters across much of Western, Central, and Southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Central Asia.
Preferred environments
During breeding, prefers open birch or conifer woodlands, often near clearings or bogs. In winter, it favors open agricultural land, pastures, orchards, and areas with abundant berry-bearing shrubs and trees.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 1,000 meters, occasionally higher in mountainous regions during breeding.
Where to look
Agricultural Fields and Pastures
In winter, Fieldfares frequently forage in open fields, especially those with stubble or recently ploughed soil, searching for invertebrates.
Orchards and Berry Bushes
During autumn and winter, they are attracted to areas with abundant fruit and berries, such as rowan, hawthorn, and apple trees.
Open Woodlands and Forest Edges
During the breeding season, they prefer open woodlands, particularly birch and conifer forests, often near clearings or water.
Parks and Large Gardens
In urban or suburban areas, they can be found in larger parks and gardens, especially if fruit-bearing trees are present.
Field tips
- Look for Flocks. Fieldfares are rarely seen alone outside the breeding season. Scan open areas for large, often noisy, flocks of thrushes.
- Listen for Calls. Their 'chack-chack' call is very distinctive and often heard before the birds are seen, especially when they are disturbed and take flight.
- Check Berry Trees. In late autumn and winter, focus your search on trees and shrubs laden with berries, as these are prime feeding grounds.
- Observe Feeding Behavior. Watch for birds foraging on the ground in open fields, often moving in a characteristic stop-and-go manner.
Migration
A long-distance migratory species. Northern populations are obligate migrants, moving south and west for the winter. Southern breeding populations may be partially migratory or altitudinal migrants. Migration occurs mainly from September to November and March to May.
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