Wildlife

Wild Song Thrush Snail-Eating Decline and Recovery

Song thrush populations declined by 73% between 1970-2010. Their welfare depends on access to invertebrate-rich soil and slug/snail populations, often reduced by pesticides.

Key Facts

Song thrushes use 'anvil' stones to break snail shells - a distinctive feeding behaviour
Populations halved between 1970 and 2000 primarily due to agricultural intensification
Metaldehyde slug pellet bans may reduce secondary poisoning
Gardens with diverse invertebrate communities are important refuges

Welfare Considerations

Song thrush welfare is directly tied to invertebrate availability. Pesticide-free gardening and meadow areas restore snail and earthworm populations that song thrushes depend on for chick rearing.

What You Can Do

Avoid pesticides and slug pellets in gardens
Create rough grassland and wildflower areas for invertebrate abundance
Register your garden with Big Garden Birdwatch to track thrush populations