Common Blackbird

Overview

The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush found across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, as well as in introduced populations in Australia and New Zealand. It is a widespread and adaptable passerine that may be resident, partially migratory, or fully migratory depending on its latitude.

Identification

• Adult males possess glossy black plumage with a striking yellow eye-ring and an orange-yellow bill, while females and juveniles are sooty-brown with weaker mottling.
• The species measures between 23.5 and 29 cm in length and has a long tail.
• It is recognised by its rich, melodious, low-pitched fluted warble, often sung from elevated perches such as trees and rooftops.

Habitat

Breeding occurs primarily in temperate woodland with a preference for deciduous trees and dense undergrowth, though gardens support significantly higher densities than forests. The species also inhabits parks, hedgerows, and outbuildings, reaching elevations of up to 1,000 m in Europe and much higher in the Himalayas.

Diet

As an omnivore, the common blackbird consumes a wide range of insects, earthworms, seeds, berries, and fruits. It forages mainly on the ground using a start-stop-start running motion, pulling earthworms from the soil by sight or hearing and searching through leaf litter for invertebrates.

Did you know?

The nominate subspecies is capable of mimicking sounds in its local environment, including the songs of other birds as well as human-made noises such as whistling and car alarms.