Ring Ouzel

The ring ouzel (Turdus torquatus) is a medium-sized thrush, with a length of 23–24 centimeters and a weight of 90–138 grams. The male is predominantly black with a striking white crescent across its breast, while females are browner and less vivid. Juveniles may lack the pale chest markings altogether.

Identification Tips

Adult ring ouzels are unmistakable with their pale breast marking; first-winter males may also show a pale crescent. Other young ouzels can be confused with the common blackbird but always exhibit a paler wing panel.

Habitat

This species thrives in open mountain areas with a mix of trees or shrubs, including heather, conifers, beech, hairy alpenrose, or juniper. It is a high-altitude species in most of its range, except in the northernmost parts.

Distribution

The ring ouzel is found across western and northern Europe, extending east to Iran. It is migratory, wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and Turkey, often in mountainous regions with juniper bushes.

Behaviour

Ring ouzels are territorial and usually seen alone or in pairs. They may form loose flocks during migration and can be found in association with other thrushes when feeding.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a series of 2–4 plaintive fluty notes, often sung at dawn and dusk. The call is a loud "tac-tac-tac," which becomes harsher when alarmed, and a soft "cherrr" in flight.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from mid-April to mid-July in the Alps and British Isles, and from May to August in Scandinavia. The nest is a cup of plant material and mud, usually on the ground. The typical clutch consists of 3–6 brown-flecked pale blue or greenish-blue eggs, incubated mainly by the female, with chicks fledging in 14 days and dependent for about 12 days thereafter.

Diet and Feeding

Ring ouzels are omnivorous, feeding on invertebrates, small vertebrates, and a variety of fruits. During spring and breeding seasons, invertebrates are the main diet, while fruits, especially juniper berries, are more important later in the year.

Conservation status

With an extensive range and a large population, the ring ouzel is evaluated as least concern by the IUCN. However, there are signs of decline in several countries due to factors such as climate change, human disturbance, and loss of habitat.