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Blackbird

Green conservation status

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Video files

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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

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
-4,935,000 pairs10-15 million birds-

* 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

Key

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.

Find out more

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

3 illustrations

Illustrations
Blackbird male

Male

Similar birds

Ring ouzel (illustration)

Ring ouzel

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