Taxonomy
Turdus torquatus | Ring Ouzel | Lon creige
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high conservation
value as a result.
The Ring Ouzel is classified as a
species of ‘Least Concern’ on a global scale according to the latest IUCN Red
List assessment in 2018 and the population trend is stable.
Species Biology
Identification
The male Ring Ouzel is much more
conspicuous than the female with black plumage and white breast band.
Additionally, the black wings have a white/silver tint to them. Their presence
is often detected by their distinctive song.
The female is browner in
colouration than the male and the breast band is not as bright.
The Ring Ouzel could be confused
with the Blackbird (especially the female Ring Ouzel) but can be told apart
from the above-mentioned breast band. Additionally, they tend to be found in
different habitats.
The Ring Ouzel stands at a length
of approximately 24 cm with a wingspan of 38-42 cm. Weight can vary from 95-130
grams depending on the individual.
Diet
The Ring Ouzel has a varied diet
consisting of invertebrates such as insects and annelids to fruits such as
berries and even apples.
Habitat
The Ring Ouzel occurs in remote
upland habitats.
Suitable upland breeding habitat
includes precipitous valleys and scree slopes with little vegetation.
Reproduction
During the breeding season a
clutch of four eggs will be laid and will undergo an incubation period of
approximately 13 days. These eggs will weigh around 7.4 grams.
The young will fledge after about
two weeks.
Ring Ouzels have a relatively short
life expectancy, typically two years.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
This species is a rather rare
summer visitor to Ireland and is mostly recorded in Donegal and Kerry.
Only a small number of sites in
Ireland can support the Ring Ouzel, hence the rarity of this species in
Ireland.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/ring-ouzel/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/ring-ouzel/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob11860.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22708768/155629409