Ring ouzel

About

The Ring ouzel is a close relative of the blackbird but inhabits the high mountains. In Ukraine, it nests only in the Carpathians, and during migrations, it can be found in the western and southwestern regions. In the Carpathians, Alps, Balkans, and Pyrenees, there is a distinct Central and Southern European subspecies. In Poland, the Ring ouzel nests above 700 m, being most numerous in the Tatra and Beskid Mountains, while in the Bieszczady it inhabits fir forests.

The male is almost entirely black, but it has a bright white 'crescent' on its chest, like a collar — hence the Latin name torquatus, meaning 'with a collar'. The feathers on the belly and wings have a light edging, making the bird appear scaly up close. The female is browner, with a duller crescent, and young birds have almost none.

The song of the Ring ouzel is simple and mournful: 2–4 flute-like notes that are repeated with pauses. The call is a loud 'tak-tak-tak' that becomes sharper when the bird is alarmed. It is worth searching for it near the upper forest boundary: the Ring ouzel nests in open mountain areas with solitary trees and bushes, among conifers, rowan, juniper, and bilberry.

The female builds the nest low in coniferous trees and bushes. The clutch consists of 4–5 blue-green eggs with brown spots; both parents incubate for about two weeks. The Ring ouzel is migratory and flies to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Turkey for the winter. It is not listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Where in the Carpathians

The map shows where naturalists recorded the species (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records), not every place it lives. The Ukrainian Carpathians are less studied, so a blank area does not mean the species is absent.

Countries

Ukraine · Poland · Slovakia · Romania · Czechia · Hungary · Serbia · Austria

Mountain ranges

Western Tatras, Skole Beskids, High Tatras, Chornohora, Moravian-Silesian Beskids, Low Tatras, Bucegi Mountains, Żywiec Beskids, Gorce, Gorgany

Altitude belts

Beech forests (600–1200 m) · Conifer forests (1200–1600 m)

When to see it

From naturalists’ observations in the Carpathians (iNaturalist, research grade): the darker the cell, the more often the species is seen that month.

Protection and rules

It is not listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of Ukraine

FAQ