Ring Ouzel
Scientific Name: Turdus torquatusMaltese Name: Malvizz tas-Sidra
Family: Thrushes (Turdidae)
Occurence: Very Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Ring Ouzel is the mountain equivalent of the closely-related Common Blackbird, and breeds in gullies, rocky areas or scree slopes. It breeds in the higher regions of western and central Europe and also in the Caucasus. Most populations are migratory, wintering in the Mediterranean region. The Ring Ouzel is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, rodents, lizards and berries. It nests in bushes or amongst rocks, laying several pale blue eggs, mottled with brown, in a neat cup-shaped nest. It is territorial and normally seen alone or in pairs, although loose flocks may form on migration. The adult male is all black except for a white crescent on the breast and a yellowish bill. The wings have a silvery appearance due to white feather edgings. The male sings its loud and mournful song from trees or rocks. The female is similar but duller, and younger birds often lack the breast crescent. The juvenile has brown plumage.
Status:
Very Scarce autumn and winter migrant. Mostly seen in singles or couples. In Malta the subspecies alpestris (the belly is pale-scaled rather than all black) occurs.
When to See:
October till January. Rarely, it is recorded in spring.
Where to See:
Best places for this species are Buskett and Comino. Valleys with adequate cover and berries are also good spots.
Photographs:
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Young Male Ring Ouzel, 28th October 2005, Comino |
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Young Male Ring Ouzel, 28th October 2005, Comino |
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