Where Do Ring Ouzels Nest?

Ring ouzels usually nest in mature heather or occasionally under bracken, often on rock ledges or steep slopes. A mosaic of heather, grassland and bracken provides the best conditions for ring ouzels. They often fly down to in-bye pastures to feed if there is insufficient short grassland on the nearby hills.

Where can I find ring ouzels?

Ring ouzels can be found in upland areas of Scotland, northern England, north west Wales and Dartmoor. When on spring and autumn migration they may be seen away from their breeding areas, often on the east and south coasts of the UK where they favour short grassy areas.

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.