Wildlife

Song Thrush Welfare on Farmland

Song thrush numbers have halved since the 1970s, with reduced snail availability, predation, and loss of hedgerows and orchards all contributing to welfare and population decline.

Key Facts

UK song thrush population has declined by 50% since 1970
Snails are a critical food source, particularly in dry summers when earthworms are unavailable
Song thrushes use anvil stones to break snail shells
They are particularly vulnerable to slug pellet use which poisons their food supply
Hedgerow loss removes both nesting habitat and berries for winter food

Welfare Considerations

Song thrush welfare declines with food insecurity. In dry summers when earthworms retreat deep, snail availability becomes critical. Slug pellet use not only kills snails directly but causes secondary poisoning of thrushes eating poisoned molluscs. Woodland edge, orchards, and thick hedgerows provide the habitat structure they need. Garden management choices directly affect individual thrush welfare.

What You Can Do

Eliminate slug pellet use and switch to wildlife-safe alternatives
Plant native berry-bearing shrubs for winter thrush food
Maintain a compost heap to provide earthworm habitat
Support RSPB farmland bird recovery programmes