Pronunciation: [sˈɒŋ θɹˈʌʃ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "song thrush" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "song," is pronounced /sɒŋ/, with the "o" sound as in "hot" and the "ng" as in "sing." The second syllable, "thrush," is pronounced /θrʌʃ/, with the "th" as in "thin," the "u" sound as in "fun," and the "sh" as in "shoe." Together, the word is pronounced /sɒŋ θrʌʃ/, describing the brown bird known for its distinctive song.
The song thrush, classified scientifically as Turdus philomelos, is a medium-sized passerine bird species belonging to the thrush family (Turdidae). It is widespread throughout Europe, reaching as far east as Siberia and western Asia. The song thrush possesses distinctive features including a round body, relatively long legs, a straight bill, and a luscious brown coloration with dark spots on its underparts.
As the name suggests, this bird is renowned for its melodious and robust song. The song thrush is considered to be one of the finest singers among its avian counterparts. Its repertoire consists of various sweet and complex phrases that it repeats with immense precision and clarity. The song is composed of repeated musical phrases, often incorporating elements from other bird species or even human-made sounds.
In terms of diet, the song thrush is an omnivorous bird with a preference for earthworms. It feeds by foraging on the ground, using its sharp beak to probe for invertebrates, spiders, and berries. Its ability to utilize snail shells as an anvil to break them is quite distinctive.
The song thrush is monogamous, forming pairs that remain together throughout the breeding season. It builds its cup-shaped nest from twigs, leaves, and mud in trees or shrubs. The female typically lays a clutch of four to five blue eggs, which are meticulously incubated for around two weeks. Once hatched, both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge after approximately two weeks.
Overall, the song thrush is highly regarded for its melodic talents and its contribution to the natural symphony of diverse bird songs heard throughout woodlands and gardens in many parts of the world.
The word "song thrush" is a compound noun derived from the Middle English words "song" and "thrush". The Middle English word "song" comes from the Old English word "sang", which means "song" or "chant". The word "thrush" originates from the Old English word "thrysce", which refers to a singing or chirping bird. Over time, "thrysce" evolved into the word "thrush" and is commonly used to describe various species of songbirds known for their melodious singing. Thus, the etymology of "song thrush" illustrates its combination of words relating to singing and thrush-like birds.
