Song thrushes are famous for smashing open the shells of snails on a stone anvil to get to the flesh inside.

Physical description
Song thrushes are medium-sized birds of about 22cm. They have brown upper-parts and their white breast is speckled with brown spots and streaks.

Distribution
They range across Europe.

Habitat
Their preferred habitat includes woods, parks, gardens and hedges, often around human habituation.

Diet
Thrushes feed on slugs, snails, insects, worms, berries and fruits.

Behaviour
Thrushes often stand with their head on one side, scrutinising the ground for food.

Reproduction
They build a nest lined with mud in a hedge or bush. The female incubates 4-5 eggs for 14 days, and the chicks fledge after two weeks. They may rear 2 or 3 broods a year.

Conservation status
Thrushes are not considered to be globally threatened, although they have decreased in number in the UK, with 52 per cent lost over 25 years and the population estimated to have declined to less than a million pairs.

Voice
Song thrushes have a loud musical song with phrases often repeated, as well as a short sip call in flight and a loud click alarm call.