Mistle thrushes are the largest British thrush, famous for singing during storms. Their populations have declined by 55% since the 1970s due to loss of grassland foraging habitat and reduced berry availability.
Mistle thrush welfare is linked to the availability of both grassland invertebrate prey during breeding and berry-rich trees for winter survival. The loss of traditional orchards -- significant for many thrush and other species -- has reduced the concentrated berry resources mistle thrushes defend so aggressively in winter. Agricultural intensification has reduced the earthworm availability in short grassland that breeding pairs need to raise chicks. Supporting traditional orchard preservation and reduced-intensity grassland management directly improves mistle thrush welfare through the critical breeding and wintering periods.