Indian Blackbird

Overview

The Indian blackbird, scientifically known as Turdus simillimus, is a small passerine bird that belongs to the thrush family and was previously regarded as a subspecies of the common blackbird. It is endemic to India and Sri Lanka, where it is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Males are brownish slate-grey with a dark cap, while females are mid-brown and paler below.
• The birds are small, measuring 19–20 cm in length, and feature a relatively broad yellow eye-ring.
• Populations differ from the common blackbird in their proportions, wing formula, egg colour, and voice.

Habitat

Found exclusively in India and Sri Lanka, the species occupies montane forests in regions such as the Western and Eastern Ghats, with some populations residing at altitudes up to 2,000 metres. In western India and the northern and central Western Ghats, certain populations migrate further south during the winter, while others remain resident year-round.

Did you know?

The Kinnis' blackbird, a subspecies endemic to the montane forests of Sri Lanka, exhibits a unique breeding cycle with seasons likely occurring from March to April and again from August to September.