Mistle Thrushs in Spain
When the Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) is present in Spain, when it nests, and which native Spain plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Spain
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- February–June
- Size
- 27 cm, 130 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
When to expect mistle thrushs in Spain
The Mistle Thrush lives in Spain all year round. Mild, wetter winters host many northern European migrants — Robins, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps.
Mediterranean across most of the country, oceanic in the north (Galicia to the Basque Country) and semi-arid in the south-east.
Nesting in Spain
In Spain the Mistle Thrush usually nests February–June. Nest site: bulky cup high in a tree fork. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12–15 days; chicks fledge after 14–16 days, and pairs raise 2 per year.
- The Mistle Thrush does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Spain plants for mistle thrushs
Of the native plants we track for Spain, these 8 provide food the Mistle Thrush 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
Worms and insects; berries, especially mistletoe, holly and rowan.
- Best foods: Fruit, Mealworms.
- Feeders: Ground tray.
- One bird may guard a berry-laden holly all winter.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are mistle thrushs in Spain all year?
Yes — the Mistle Thrush is resident in Spain all year.
When do mistle thrushs nest in Spain?
Typically February–June. Clutches are 3–5 eggs, incubated for 12–15 days, with 2 per year.
Which native plants help mistle thrushs in Spain?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Spain and provide food or cover the Mistle Thrush uses.
Mistle Thrushs in other countries
Other garden birds in Spain
Sources
- Mistle Thrush — RSPB bird guide
- Mistle Thrush — BTO BirdFacts
- SEO/BirdLife — Atlas de las aves en época de reproducción
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.