Mistle Thrush

A large, upright thrush with bold dark spotting on a pale breast, often seen perched prominently on treetops or fence posts, especially when singing its far-carrying, fluty song from exposed perches even in blustery weather. It forages on the ground in open woodland, parkland and farmland for invertebrates and, in autumn and winter, defends berry-laden trees such as holly or mistletoe with loud rattling calls. Open parkland with scattered trees in late winter is a particularly good place to watch territorial berry-guarding behaviour.