Fieldfare

Overview

Fieldfare: Large, robin-like thrush with rufous back with gray head and rump. Underparts are brown-barred white on breast and sides, and white on belly. Wings are rufous. Tail is dark gray to black. The bill is yellow with a dark tip. Strong and fast flight on rapidly beating wings.

Range and Habitat

Fieldfare: Occurs widely, often in large numbers, in most of central and southern Europe in winter; also common in Siberia and Greenland. Casual in Alaska and accidental elsewhere in North America; preferred habitats include woods and woodland edges in summer and open country, fields, and agricultural areas in winter.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Fieldfare was first described by Linnaeus in his Systema naturae in 1758 under its current scientific name.
The English name, dating back to at least the twelfth century, derives from the Anglo-Saxon feld-fere meaning "traveller through the fields", probably from their constantly moving, foraging habits.
Unusual for a thrush, they often nest in small colonies, possibly for protection from large crows.
A group of fieldfares are collectively known as a "flock" of fieldfares.