UK Wildlife

Mistle Thrush Storm Cock Behaviour

The mistle thrush is the largest UK thrush and known as the 'storm cock' for its habit of singing from exposed perches in wild weather, with distinctive spotted underparts.

Key Facts

The mistle thrush's habit of singing in gales gave it the nickname 'storm cock'
UK population around 170,000 breeding pairs, with significant long-term declines
One of the earliest breeders in the UK, with nests built in February
Defends berry-bearing trees fiercely through winter as a food resource
Larger and more aggressive than the song thrush

Welfare Considerations

Mistle thrush has declined significantly across the UK, particularly in farmland. Loss of berry-rich trees, agricultural intensification, and reduced grassland quality have all contributed. The species is now on the amber conservation list.

What You Can Do

Plant berry-bearing native trees like rowan, holly and hawthorn for winter thrush food
Support agri-environment schemes that maintain diverse farmland habitats
Record mistle thrush through BTO Garden BirdWatch and common bird census