Ring Ouzel

Overview

The ring ouzel, Turdus torquatus, is a medium-sized thrush found primarily in Europe, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a migratory bird that breeds in mountainous regions and winters in southern Europe, North Africa, and Turkey.

Identification

• Medium-sized thrush measuring 23–24 cm in length.
• Males are predominantly black with a conspicuous white crescent on the breast, while females are browner and duller.
• Males sing from low perches or in flight, repeating 2–4 plaintive fluty notes such as 'tri-ríí'.

Habitat

The ring ouzel breeds in open mountain areas with sparse trees or shrubs, including juniper, rowan, and heather, typically at high altitudes. It winters in juniper forests in southern Spain and northwest Africa, and in mountains in southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Diet

This omnivorous bird forages on the ground for invertebrates like insects and earthworms, as well as small vertebrates and fruit. In winter, its diet consists largely of common juniper, making it a key disperser of juniper seeds.

Did you know?

The ring ouzel is crucial for the dispersal of the endemic Canary Islands juniper, with this fruit making up over 90% of the bird's winter diet where available.