mistle thrush

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a large thrush (Turdus viscivorus) of Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia, with pale, boldly spotted underparts, noted for eating and vigorously defending berry-bearing trees, including mistletoe

   The mistle thrush drove smaller birds away from the berry-laden holly tree.

Mistle is an obsolete form of mistletoe, from Middle English mistel and Old English mistel; the compound names the bird for its fondness for mistletoe berries. Its scientific name Turdus viscivorus likewise uses Latin viscum, 'mistletoe,' and vorare, 'to devour.' Missel thrush is a less common spelling variant.

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