Mistle Thrush(Liatráisc)

Identification Tips

• 1Larger than song thrush with more upright posture
• 2Grey-brown upperparts with bold round spots on white breast
• 3White outer tail feathers visible in flight
• 4Pale edges to wing feathers give a 'scaly' look
• 5More upright and 'alert' stance than song thrush

Similar Species

Song Thrush

Mistle thrushes are larger with rounder spots and a more upright stance

Common Blackbird

Mistle thrushes are paler and spotted; female blackbirds are uniformly darker

Description

The largest thrush in Ireland. Bold and upright in posture, mistle thrushes are often seen defending berry-laden trees in winter.

Habitat

Further Reading

• Mistle Thrush - BirdWatch Ireland