Breeding begins in mid-April and continues through to mid-July, with two broods common, and nests are located on or close to the ground in vegetation (typically in heather), in a crevice, or rarely in a tree. The young are fed a diet consisting mainly of earthworms and beetles.

Are ring Ouzels rare?

An uncommon sight

Even before Ring Ouzel started to decline in range and numbers (range size has declined by 43% in last 40 years) it was never a common bird, and even in areas considered hotspots it takes a certain amount of determination and luck to see and experience one.

Where do ring Ouzels breed?

Ring ouzels are black and white thrushes, similar in appearance to a blackbird. They spend the winter in Spain and northwest Africa, returning to the uplands of the UK to breed in the summer. Nesting often begins in late April, with two broods of chicks being common.