Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatus
Length 24cm

A summer visitor to upland districts of N and W Britain from late March to September; scarce and local in Ireland. Superficially similar to blackbird but black male has striking white crescent on breast; at close range, pale margins to feathers can be seen along with pale patch on wing. Female has brown plumage, the feathers with conspicuous pale margins giving scaly appearance; pale crescent on breast less striking than on male. Alert and wary, found on slopes with broken ground and rocky outcrops. Has loud, fluty song and tuk alarm call.