Fieldfares in France
When the Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) is present in France, when it nests, and which native France plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in France
- Winter visitor
- Nesting season
- Does not breed here
- Size
- 25.5 cm, 100 g
When to expect fieldfares in France
The Fieldfare reaches France for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Mild in the west and south; hard frosts in the north-east and mountains.
Oceanic in the west, continental in the east, Mediterranean along the south coast and Alpine in the mountains.
Native France plants for fieldfares
Of the native plants we track for France, these 8 provide food the Fieldfare uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Feeding in the garden
Berries and fallen fruit in winter; invertebrates in summer.
- Best foods: Apples (whole or halved), Soaked sultanas.
- Feeders: Ground tray.
- Fieldfares come into gardens only in snow; windfall apples are the best offering.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are fieldfares in France all year?
No. The Fieldfare is a winter visitor to France and breeds further north or east.
Which native plants help fieldfares in France?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to France and provide food or cover the Fieldfare uses.
Fieldfares in other countries
Other garden birds in France
Sources
- Fieldfare — RSPB bird guide
- Fieldfare — BTO BirdFacts
- Atlas des oiseaux de France métropolitaine — LPO
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.