Fieldfare (Björktrast)

Characteristics:
The Fieldfare is a medium-sized thrush (length 25–27 cm) with a grey head, nape, and rump, brown back, and a reddish and black-spotted breast.
The wings are dark brown, the tail black, and the belly pale with dark spots.
It is easily recognised by its grey head, its loud “tjack-tjack-tjack” alarm call, and its habit of perching high in trees when alarmed.
Males and females look alike.

Habitat:
The Fieldfare is found throughout Sweden, except in the far northern mountains.
It thrives in open forests, farmland, parks, and gardens, often where berry bushes and grassy areas are available.
During winter, large flocks gather in fields, orchards, and towns.

Behaviour:
The Fieldfare is a social and vigilant bird, especially during the breeding season when colonies defend nests aggressively against crows and magpies.
It often breeds in loose colonies, sometimes with dozens of pairs in one area.
When threatened, it flies up to a tree and gives its sharp “tjack-tjack” call.

Diet:
The diet consists mainly of earthworms, insects, larvae, snails, berries, and fruit.
In autumn and winter, it feeds mostly on rowan berries, apples, and other fruits.

Reproduction:
Breeding takes place from April to July.
The nest is made of grass, moss, and mud, built in trees, bushes, or on buildings.
The female lays 4–6 bluish-green eggs with brown speckles, incubated for 12–14 days.
The young fledge after about two weeks and continue to be fed by the parents for some time.

Migration:
The Fieldfare is a migratory bird, though some remain in southern Sweden during mild winters.
Most migrate to western and southern Europe, especially France, Great Britain, and Spain, returning to Sweden in March–April.

Distribution:
Found across Europe and western Asia.
In Sweden, it is common throughout the country, particularly in forest edges, farmland, and towns.

Hunting:
The Fieldfare is a game species in Sweden according to the Hunting Ordinance (Bilaga 1).
Hunting season: 25 August – 28 (or 29) February nationwide.
Hunting is usually done during autumn migration or in berry-rich areas.

Firearm class (Sweden):
The species may be hunted with:

• Shotgun, typically using pellet size no. 7–9, or
• Rifle class 4 (allowed for small birds).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Grey head and rump, brown back, and spotted reddish breast.
• Found in farmland, parks, and forest edges.
• Eats worms, insects, berries, and fruit.
• Migratory, some stay in the south during mild winters.
• Builds nests in trees or bushes, 4–6 eggs.
• Game species – hunting season 25 August – 28 (or 29) February.
• Hunted with shotgun or rifle class 4.
• Alert and noisy, often in large winter flocks.