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Birds by name

Blackbird

Conservation status: Green

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.

Overview

Latin name

Turdus merula

Family

Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

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.

Population

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.

Illustrations

Audio

Niels Krabbe, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Blackbird

Blackbird - male
  • Colouring: Male
  • Size: between robin-blackbird
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, orange, yellow
  • Beak length: medium
  • Beak thickness: medium
  • Leg colour: black/grey, brown
  • Behaviour: on feeder, on ground, wagging or flicking tail, bird hops on the ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, eats fruit

Blackbird

Blackbird - juvenile
  • Colouring: Female, Juvenile
  • Size: between robin-blackbird
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, orange, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, brown/buff, yellow
  • Beak length: medium
  • Beak thickness: medium
  • Leg colour: black/grey, brown
  • Behaviour: on feeder, on ground, wagging or flicking tail, bird hops on the ground, bird walks/runs on the ground, eats fruit

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