Status in UK:
(A) Migrant/Resident Breeder, Passage/Winter Visitor
Subspecies:hebridensis (RB), clarkei (RBW), philomelos (W) recorded in Britain (of 4 subsp. in the world)
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Length:
23 cm
Wingspan:
34 cm
Weight:
M/F: 83 g
Scientific name from:
L.: turdus=a thrush
and after Philomela, in Greek myth, who was turned into a nighingale (from philos=lover + melos=song)
World Distribution:
Europe & w Asia, INTRODUCED: Australia
Habitat:
Woodland, scrub, towns
Diet:
Invertebrates esp. earthworms, fruit, snails during drought/hard weather
TitBit:
As its name suggests this bird is an accomplished songster, easily recognised by its habit of repeating phrases (each individual has about 100 to draw on); so much so that settlers took it to the Antipodes to remind them of home, although they did not thrive in Australia they are now one of the commonest garden birds in New Zealand.