UK Fieldfare and Redwing Welfare: Winter Thrush Welfare

Overview of fieldfare and redwing welfare as winter visiting thrushes from Scandinavia.

Key Facts

Fieldfares and redwings are winter visitors arriving from Scandinavia in October
Both species feed on berries and invertebrates in farmland and orchards
Severe winters with deep snow cause welfare stress from reduced food access
Traditional orchards and berry-rich hedgerows provide critical welfare food resources
UK populations are declining as climate change reduces weather severity driving immigration

Welfare Considerations

Winter thrush welfare in the UK depends on berry availability and access to invertebrate-rich farmland habitat. Fieldfares and redwings arrive in autumn when their Scandinavian food resources are depleted. Berry-rich hedgerows, traditional orchards, and rough grassland provide critical welfare food resources. Severe weather in winter can compromise food access causing welfare stress. Climate change reducing severe winters may affect population dynamics of these winter visitors.

What You Can Do

Plant berry-rich native hedgerow species for winter thrush food provision
Maintain or restore traditional orchard habitats for winter thrush welfare
Record fieldfare and redwing sightings through BTO Garden BirdWatch