Bird Focus of the Week: Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatus
The Ring Ouzel, often known as the “mountain blackbird,” is a striking yet understated resident of our British uplands. Its dark plumage and the distinctive white crescent on the male’s breast set it apart from the common blackbird, though the subtle browning of females and young birds can sometimes complicate identification. In the breeding season, these birds nest in the steep, windswept valleys and crags that characterize regions from the Cairngorms to Dartmoor. The female constructs a modest cup-shaped nest on or near the ground, concealed by heather or nestled into a gully, and the pair may raise one or sometimes two broods over the summer.
After the brief breeding period, the Ring Ouzel embarks on a challenging migration. Departing in September and October, these birds travel south to winter in the milder climes of southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Türkiye. Along their journey, many make brief stopovers in well-grazed grasslands or on coastal hillsides, critical moments for refuelling before the journey continues. In northern areas, the return migration is a staggered affair, with birds gradually ascending the breeding altitudes as the snow melts. This slow return, observed over several weeks, creates a quiet but remarkable shift in the landscape as migrants return to resident populations.
In terms of habitat, the Ring Ouzel favours open, rugged mountain areas where the interplay of heather, scattered trees, and rocky outcrops provides the necessary conditions for nesting and feeding. During the spring and breeding seasons, its diet is dominated by invertebrates—earthworms, beetles, spiders, and snails—which it forages from the ground with deliberate efficiency. As the year progresses into autumn and winter, its diet shifts to include a broader range of fruits and berries, such as those from juniper, bramble, and rowan. This seasonal dietary change not only reflects the bird’s adaptability but also plays a role in the dispersal of native plant species.
For those interested in observing the Ring Ouzel, the breeding season from late April to mid-July offers the best opportunities in upland reserves and natural areas, particularly during the early morning when the birds are most active. The migration period in autumn also provides a window for observation, although sightings tend to be more fleeting as the birds pause briefly on their way south. When observing these birds, it is advisable to use binoculars or a spotting scope to minimize disturbance and to maintain a respectful distance, especially during the sensitive nesting period. However, the best time to see them is late March to early May, when they are on migration through the UK, and practically any patch birder gets a shot at seeing them!
In summary, the Ring Ouzel presents a quiet but compelling presence in our uplands. Its life history—from the modest, ground-level nests in rugged terrain, through its measured migration, to its seasonal dietary shifts—offers a window into the complexities of upland ecology. For the serious birder, each encounter with the Ring Ouzel is a reminder of the subtle interplay between wildlife and the changing landscape, and a call to observe, record, and conserve these emblematic creatures for the future.
What are your thoughts on finding the Ring Ouzel? Have you ever seen one? Put your answer in the comments below!