Fieldfare, a European bird of the thrush family, the turdus pilaris (Linn.), in form, size, proportions of parts, and characters of the plumage, resembling the migratory thrush or American robin (T. migratorius, Linn.). The length is between 10 and 11 in., the extent of wings 17i, the tarsus 1 1/4, and the weight about 4 oz.: it is a stout bird, and from its long tail and wings rather elegant in form. The bill, which is that of the thrushes, is orange at the base and brownish black at the end; the inside of the mouth is orange, the edges of the lids yellow, the iris brown, the feet and claws dusky; the head, hind neck, and rump are gray, most of the feathers on the first with a central dusky streak; a space before the eye brownish black, and a whitish line over the eye; the anterior half of the back and the wing coverts are chestnut, shading behind into ash-gray; fore neck and breast yellowish red, with elongated triangular brownish black spots, the sides paler with broadly rounded spots; the lower breast and abdomen grayish white tinged with red; the wings are grayish black, with the edges of the feathers paler; tail deeper black, the lateral feathers grayish toward the end; the lower wing coverts and axillary feathers are pure white, conspicuous during flight.

The specific name is derived from a few hairy filaments on the occiput, which are also found in other species, and even in other genera. The female very closely resembles the male. The above is the plumage when it enters Great Britain from the continent; varieties in size and coloring are met with, and albinos are occasionally seen. They arrive in October and November, and some remain until the following spring if the season is mild; they roost in trees if they can, leaving for the fields at early dawn, in parties of from three or four to many hundreds; their flight is easy but not rapid, and their movements in the trees and on the ground are graceful; they frequent open fields, associating often with other species, and are generally very shy. The food consists of hawthorn and other berries, worms, larva?, insects, seeds, and grains. They generally disappear in April or May, retiring probably in summer to the north to breed; the nests are built in society, usually in fir and spruce trees, and with the eggs, five or six in number, resemble those of the blackbird.

The flesh is tender, fat, and of good flavor; this is supposed to be the species so highly esteemed by the Romans.

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris).

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris).