Fieldfares in Ireland
When the Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) is present in Ireland, when it nests, and which native Ireland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Ireland
- Winter visitor
- Nesting season
- Does not breed here
- Size
- 25.5 cm, 100 g
When to expect fieldfares in Ireland
The Fieldfare reaches Ireland for the winter from breeding grounds further north and east. Mild winters with little snow; Redwings and Fieldfares feed in hedges and fields.
Oceanic climate — mild, humid and consistently wet, especially in the west.
Native Ireland plants for fieldfares
Of the native plants we track for Ireland, 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 Ireland all year?
No. The Fieldfare is a winter visitor to Ireland and breeds further north or east.
Which native plants help fieldfares in Ireland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Ireland and provide food or cover the Fieldfare uses.
Fieldfares in other countries
Other garden birds in Ireland
Sources
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.