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  • Blackbird

Blackbird

Blackbird (adult male)
Blackbird (adult male)
Blackbird (female)
Blackbird (female)
Blackbird (juvenile)
Blackbird (juvenile)
  • Scientific name: Turdus merula
  • Bird family: Thrushes
  • UK conservation status: Green
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Blackbird song audio

Your browser does not support this audio feature.

Niels Krabbe, Xeno-canto

Key information

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 most common UK birds, its mellow song is also a favourite.

What they eat:

Insects, worms and berries.

Measurements:

Length:
24-25cm
Wingspan:
34-38.5cm
Weight:
80-100g

Population:

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.
UK breeding:
5,100,000 pairs
UK wintering:
10-15 million birds

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Blackbird (adult male)

Blackbird male
Feather colour: Black Brown White
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Brown Orange Yellow Medium length Medium thickness
Natural habitats: Woodland Farmland Grassland Urban and suburban

Blackbird (juvenile)

Illustration of a juvenile blackbird
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Orange White
Leg colour: Brown
Beak: Black Brown Yellow Medium length Medium thickness
Natural habitats: Woodland Farmland Grassland Urban and suburban

Similar birds:

Male ring ouzel
Ring ouzel

Where and when to see them

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

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Blackbird distribution map

Blackbirds can be seen all year round.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Video

Watch a blackbird pair feeding their chicks.

Watch a blackbird pair feeding their chicks.

Play video
Blackbird video screenshot

In more depth

Behaviour

Behaviour

Breeding

Breeding

Threats

Threats

Young and white blackbirds

Young and white blackbirds

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