Blackbird

It is doubtless one of our most popular and well-liked birds. Originally a shy bird of the forest, it has come out into the parks and gardens during the 20th century. The blackbird is normally very unafraid and will happily eat whatever food is presented in the winter. If you see a blackbird, folklore says it means the weather will change.

Appearance

A sturdy and long-tailed thrush. The adult male is easy to recognise as it is completely black, with a yellow beak and yellow rings at the eyes. The female, however, is dark brown with a lighter throat and brown rings at the eyes. When the blackbird moves along the ground, it jumps with both feet together.

Similar bird

May be confused with a starling. However, the starling has a short tail and walks rapidly and jerkily.

Sounds and song

Makes and imitates many different sounds, including tits, goldfinches, black woodpeckers, and greenfinches. Some blackbirds will even imitate sounds with some connection to humans.

Song

Food and bird tables

Common guest at the bird table.
Will eat primarily worms and insects in the summer, as well as mushrooms, berries and fruit in the autumn. The blackbird prefers to sit on the ground but will attempt to mount the bird table when the ground is covered in snow in order to eat fruit or dried berries.

The nest and hollows

Breeds in all of the UK. As long as there is some kind of vegetation and, preferably, human settlement. The nest, which consists of blades, moss and leaves, is mixed with soil and is usually placed at low heights in the thick branches of trees.

Distribution

Summer  Resident  Winter

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