Wildlife

Wild Song Thrush Garden Welfare

Song thrushes have declined significantly and benefit from garden habitats with snail prey, berry-bearing shrubs, and open lawn for earthworm foraging.

Key Facts

Song thrush populations have declined by 55% since the 1970s
They are unique in using an anvil stone to smash snail shells
Snails provide a critical food source during dry summer months when earthworms are unavailable
Berry-bearing shrubs provide winter food for song thrushes
Garden pesticides reducing snail populations remove a key food source

Welfare Considerations

Song thrush welfare in garden habitats depends on snail prey availability during dry periods when earthworms retreat deep into soil. Pesticide use eliminating snails removes this critical food source. Creating snail-friendly gardens through reduced pesticide use and moist microhabitats directly supports individual song thrush welfare.

What You Can Do

Reduce or eliminate slug pellet use to protect snail populations for thrushes
Plant berry-bearing shrubs including hawthorn and cotoneaster for winter food
Maintain a lawn with moist soil to support earthworm populations