OTTENS G. & J. POFFER (2016) Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus catching Common Vole Microtus arvalis. LIMOSA 29 (2): 88-89.

On 22 June 2016 a Mistle Thrush was observed and photographed killing a live young Common Vole in a recently mown field near Hardenberg, province of Overijssel, the Netherlands. After killing the vole – seemingly by stabbing it – the Mistle Thrush apparently took it to its nearby nest to feed its nestlings. Although Mistle Thrushes have been recorded catching (or feeding to nestlings) young Dunnocks Prunella modularis, Blackbirds T. merula and Song Thrushes T. philomelos (and Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis), no reference could be found to Mistle Thrushes having caught and/or killed voles or mice. Most thrushes are opportunistic feeders however, so when this exceptional prey presented itself this Mistle Thrush seized the opportunity

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