Convervation status: Green

1 video

Latin name

Turdus merula

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Overview

The males live up to their name but, confusingly, females are brown often with spots and streaks on their breasts. The bright orange-yellow beak and eye-ring make adult male blackbirds one of the most striking garden birds. One of the commonest UK birds, its mellow song is also a favourite.

Where to see them

Found everywhere in gardens and countryside and from coasts to hills, although not on the highest peaks.

When to see them

All year round.

What they eat

Insects, worms and berries.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

In the UK

All UK

In Europe

All Europe

Worldwide

Europe, Asia and Africa (introduced to Australia and New Zealand).

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Sound: Niels Krabbe, Xeno-canto

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Blackbird male

Blackbird female

Blackbird juvenile

Similar birds

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