Extensive Eurasian range of Fieldfare Turdus pilaris extends to Tianshan, the Jungar Basin, and Altai Mountains in Xinjiang. Vagrant Gansu, Inner Mongolia, and Northeast China. HABITAT & BEHAVIOR Mixed woodland, often nesting in damp areas. In winter in more open, grassy areas, such as agricultural land and parks, where it may gather in large, noisy flocks. Colonial breeder, possibly as defense against attacks from crows; but may also nest alone. Aggressively defends winter feeding areas. Often stands erect; sometimes raises tail. Strong, undulating flight. ID Plump and large, with distinctive grey head and purplish-brown back. Combination of grey head and rump, black tail, and white underwing diagnostic. Underparts white with heavy arrowhead spots on flanks becoming streaking on breast and throat. Warm buffish wash on breast. White, short eyebrow and dark lores. In spring, male slightly brighter than female. Juvenile duller, with pale spots, but difficult to distinguish sex or age after first autumn. BARE PARTS Yellow bill with black tip. Feet brownish-grey. VOICE Song a loud series of chattering squeaks, interspersed with more melodious lines, often delivered in flight. Rattling alarm call. — Craig Brelsford
THE TRUE THRUSHES OF CHINA
shanghaibirding.com has research on all 24 species in the genus Turdus in China. Click any link:
Chinese Thrush Turdus mupinensis
Song Thrush T. philomelos
Mistle Thrush T. viscivorus
Chinese Blackbird T. mandarinus
Redwing T. iliacus
Common Blackbird T. merula
Grey-winged Blackbird T. boulboul
Tickell’s Thrush T. unicolor
Black-breasted Thrush T. dissimilis
Japanese Thrush T. cardis
Grey-backed Thrush T. hortulorum
Eyebrowed Thrush T. obscurus
Pale Thrush T. pallidus
Grey-sided Thrush T. feae
Brown-headed Thrush T. chrysolaus
Tibetan Blackbird T. maximus
White-backed Thrush T. kessleri
Fieldfare T. pilaris
Black-throated Thrush T. atrogularis
Red-throated Thrush T. ruficollis
Dusky Thrush T. eunomus
Naumann’s Thrush T. naumanni
Chestnut Thrush T. rubrocanus
White-collared Blackbird T. albocinctus
See also:
Taiwan Thrush Turdus niveiceps
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Daniel Bengtsson served as chief ornithological consultant for Craig Brelsford’s Photographic Field Guide to the Birds of China, from which this species description is drawn.
