Blackbird (turdus merula) is a species of true thrush.
Family: Turdidae
Length 24 to 25cm. Wingspan 34 to 38cm. Weight 80 to 110g. Lifespan up to 5 years.
The adult male Blackbird is completely black except for a yellow bill and the eyes are bordered by a yellow ring; the adult female has dark brown plumage.
Seen all year round in the United Kingdom.
The Blackbird is a common resident in almost all of Europe except Iceland where it is extremely rare. It also breeds in Asiatic Russia and as far south as North Africa. Was introduced into Australia and New Zealand.
Habitat: Ranging from mountainous regions, to deep valley forests, commonly seen in urban gardens and parks.
Blackbirds are one of the main voices in the “dawn chorus” in suburban and woodlands.
The song of the blackbird is a superb full-throated mellow warbling, unmistakeable sound.
Both males and females are very territorial, especially in the breeding months. Sometimes particularly males, will be seen fighting each other, both oblivious to their surroundings which sometimes accidently results in death, not from the actual fight but from an opportunistic falcon or road injury. They become more gregarious (more sociable) during migration and into the winter months their tolerance in behaviour of each other, is also shown.
Nesting: Nests in woodlands and gardens, nest is usually built in a low tree, bush, commonly found in hedgerows. Nest is made of grass and mud base, lined with grass. Normally 3 to 5 eggs are laid and can have up to 4 broods a year from March to August.
Feeds on worms, insects, all kinds of invertebrates and amphibians including small frogs and toads, (I have seen a mother Blackbird forcing a small frog down one of her fledgling’s throat). The Blackbirds diet also includes most fruits; especially berries it find growing in bushes. The Blackbird can sometimes prove to be a nuisance to many gardeners growing soft fruits, like raspberries and strawberries. Cherries are also another favourite on the Blackbirds menu. Will be a regular visitor at a bird-table especially in the winter months. This time of year, they will also be seen sorting through rotting leaf matter, on the ground of woodlands and gardens for food.