The Song Thrush, Turdus philomelos, is a charming bird with a sturdy build. It measures between 20 to 23.5 centimeters in length and tips the scales at a modest 50 to 107 grams. Both sexes share a similar appearance, donning plain brown backs and black-spotted cream or yellow-buff underparts, which grow paler on the belly. The underwing exudes a warm yellow, complementing the yellowish bill and pink legs and feet.
To identify the Song Thrush, look for its brown upper-parts and spotted underparts. The juvenile mirrors the adult but is distinguished by buff or orange streaks on the back and wing coverts. In flight, the red underwing is not visible, unlike in the similar Redwing. The Mistle Thrush is significantly larger and has white tail corners, setting it apart from the Song Thrush.
The Song Thrush thrives in forests with rich undergrowth, gardens, parks, and, in the case of the Hebridean subspecies, even open heathland. It is also a common sight in areas with trees and bushes, such as parks and gardens, and can be found up to the tree-line in mountainous regions.
This species has a breeding range that spans across the West Palearctic and extends to Lake Baikal in Russia. It is partially migratory, with many wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Song Thrush has also been introduced to New Zealand and Australia.
