— THRUSHES (Turdidae) —
ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula) - Rouge gorge
The Robin has to be one of the most familiar birds to everyone. Not only does it grace the front of many Christmas cards, it is the archetypical garden bird and visitor to winter feeding tables. It is found throughout Switzerland up to about 2000m and is common throughout many different habitats.
NIGHTINGALE (Luscinia megarhynchos) - Rossignol philomèle
This brown, dull, little bird skulks around in tangled vegetation in moist areas. But it is one of Europe’s finest songsters.
BLACK REDSTART (Phoenicurus ochurus) - Rougequeue noir
A smart little bird of rocks and high mountains which has taken to human habitation. The male is very dark with a red tail - hence the name. It has an interesting rattling song.
COMMON REDSTART (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) - Rougequeue à front blanc
A very attractive little bird, not that common, favouring open woodlands, parks and gardens. It has a short penetrating song phrase that starts with a few rattling notes, each individual designing it’s own, followed by rapid-fire accurate mimicry of other species.
WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) Tarier des prés
A not so common bird whose numbers are declining, found mostly in rough meadows above 1300m. Distinctive head pattern and orange breast identify it. The song is a series of short warbles with harsher stridulations thrown in, usually delivered from a song-post. Includes mimicry of a variety of species in its song.
STONECHAT (Saxicola torquata) - Tarier pâtre
A lowland species that inhabits grasslands and disturbed habitats. It usually sits on an exposed perch where the white patch on the neck is conspicuous.
WHEATEAR (Oenanthe oenanthe) - Traquet motteux
A bird of the high mountains found on rocky slopes and rock scree. Conspicuous white rump and dark ear.
RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus) - Merle à plastron
Found only above 1200m this is the mountain equivalent of a Blackbird. Colours are very similar except for the bold white crescent on the upper breast.
BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) - Merle noir
A woodland and garden bird, also found in trees at the edge of agricultural land. The male is black with a yellow eyering and beak; the female is a dull brown with a faintly speckled breast. Song a melodious, languid, flutey series of whistles.
FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris) - Grive litorne
A large garrulous thrush of forest edge and fields. Seems more frequently in winter, identified by its grey/brown plumage and harsh calls.
SONG THRUSH (Turdus philomelos) - Grive musicienne
A woodland and garden bird, also found in trees at the edge of agricultural land. About the size of a Blackbird, brown colours and boldly spotted breast are features to note. Song a melodious flutey series of whistles with most phrases repeated several times.
MISTLE THRUSH (Turdus viscivorous) - Grive draine
A large thrush with a conspicuous darkly spotted breast. A bird of woods and forests which sings loudly from an exposed perch.