The autumn orientation and migratory activity of Song Thrushes at different periods around sunset were recorded in northern Italy using orientation cages and release experiments, mostly under overcast skies. The aim of the experiments was to examine the importance of timing and energetic condition for the orientation and relative migratory activity of Song Thrushes located close to the wintering area. The data demonstrate that the birds tested during sunset showed a mean orientation that coincided with the average sunset azimuth. The birds that were tested after sunset chose headings towards the south, significantly different from tests at sunset, showing oriented