Mistle Thrush

Turdus viscivorus

(T. v. viscivorus)

Armenian Name:	Սոսնձակեռնեխ

See Plate 47 for Mistle Thrush and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	27 cm, Wing Span:42-47.5 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 260.
Description:	Pale gray-brown thrush with bold black spots on underparts, and white tips to outertail feathers; white underwing coverts visible in flight.
Adult:	Plain upperparts with white-tipped wing coverts.
Juvenile:	Extensively marked with off-white spots and streaks above.
Similar Species:	Differs from Song Thrush by larger size, paler grayer color, white tail spots and, in flight, white underwing coverts.
Behavior:	Highly territorial during breeding season, but forms small flocks in autumn, sometimes 50 or 60 birds. Flight is undulating with 3 or 4 deep wingbeats, followed by a dip with the wings drawn in. Single birds often very aggressively defend berry trees in winter. Loud rattling call distinctive.
Habitat:	Woodland glades, orchards, parks, riverside forest, mountain steppe with shrubs.
Food:	Invertebrates; seeds and fruits in winter.
Nest:	Cup of dry grass, usually high in fork of tree.
Eggs:	32 mm, 3-5, pale blue, red-brown spots.