The Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) is a common member of the thrush family Turdidae.
It is found in open woods and cultivated land over all of Europe and much of Asia. Many northern birds move south during the winter.
The Mistle Thrush is larger than the similar Song Thrush. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, worms, and berries. A Mistle Thrush will defend a berry-bearing tree against other thrushes in winter.
They nest in trees, laying several eggs in a neat cup-shaped nest lined with grass.
Migrating birds sometimes form small flocks. The sexes are similar, with plain greyish brown backs and neatly round-spotted underparts. The breast has much less buff than the Song Thrush.
The male sings its loud melodious song from trees, rooftops or other elevated perches. The song is like a harder version of Blackbird. The alarm call is said to sound like a football rattle (or machine gun).
public domain image from a 1905 field guide
