The songthrush
Although common, song thrushes have suffered dramatic declines in recent years and are now officially 'threatened'.Sometimes mistaken for female blackbirds, song thrush are similar in shape but smaller with warm brown upper parts and a pale, heavily spotted underside with buff under wings. Like its name suggests, the song thrush is perhaps best known for its tune which is delivered from a prominent perch, often before dawn during spring. No two have the same repertoire.
The birds are widespread, breeding from western Ireland through most of Europe, including Scandinavia, into Siberia as far east as Lake Baikal. In the north and east they are highly migratory, heading west and south during autumn. Many of these arrive in Britain from the end of September. Many of our birds, too, head south to escape the freeze. The birds, their eggs and nests are protected in Britain and other European countries but illegal hunting still continues. Sadly, some birds ringed in Suffolk have ended up shot for the pot in Portugal Conifer and broad-leaved woods, mixed farmland with hedges and gardens are the song thrushes' favourite haunts.
Breeding takes place from March until July with two, three or even four broods a season hatching from three to five black-spotted blue eggs. Incubation takes around 13 days, and the young are tended by both parents for a further 10 to 17 days before fledging. The adults continue to feed the chicks for about 22 days until they are independent.
Diet includes fruits and berries, worms, insects and most importantly, slugs and snails which are tackled by pounding the shell on a specially selected stone or 'anvil'. Different objects are used and there is a record from Suffolk, of a song thrush trying to smash snails on a tennis ball! Snails are important s they provide vital food in times of drought and in cold snaps when other sources are hard to come by.
Since the 1970s studies have shown an accelerated drop in numbers by up to 70% in some areas. Farmland seems to be the most severely affected but the reason why is unclear. Widespread use of chemicals and the general "tidying-up" of the countryside may have taken their toll. Studies have also shown that adults make as many nesting attempts as they did before the decline, with as many young fledging. But it is the dramatically lower survival rate through the first winter that seems to be driving the decline. Droughts have made food more scarce, however declines are far from uniform across habitats. Surprisingly, suburban areas and villages have seen hardly any changes compared to woodland and open farmland. A recent Suffolk Wildlife Trust survey of birds using school grounds has borne this out with nearly half the schools taking part, recording thrushes on their premises.
Song thrushes aren't extinct in the UK yet, but time is running out. As individuals we can make a difference. Fruit (especially apples), meal worms and grated mild cheese should be laid out all year round in places away from the main bird table. (Song thrushes are timid and at the lower end of the pecking order, often being chased off by more aggressive species). Supply water for drinking and bathing, especially in summer.Leave fallen leaves under bushes and trees during the winter and build a compost heap, as these provide homes for insects which will be eaten in cold weather. Most importantly of all, don't kill slugs and snails as these are a life-line in harsh conditions.
