Blackbird
Least ConcernTurdus merula
Visual Identification
Blackbird
Appearance
The male Blackbird is a striking, glossy black with a bright yellow eye-ring and bill. Its legs are dark brown. Females, in contrast, are predominantly brown with a mottled breast and a duller bill.
Juveniles resemble females but have a more rufous tinge and subtle spotting. Adults may show slight brown fringes on their feathers during autumn after moulting.
Size
Length
23cm to 29cm
Wingspan
34cm to 38.5cm
Weight
80g to 125g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Blackbirds are widely distributed across Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia to western Kazakhstan. They thrive in various habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens, and urban areas. In the UK, they are one of the most common garden birds.
While some populations are resident year-round, others in northern Europe migrate south for winter. They have also been successfully introduced to Australia and New Zealand, where they are now common in urban and rural areas.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,300 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
Blackbirds are omnivorous, eating primarily invertebrates such as earthworms, insects, and snails. They also consume various fruits and berries, particularly in autumn and winter.
Their feeding behaviour involves probing the ground with their bill and flicking aside leaves to uncover hidden prey.
Behaviour
Blackbirds are often seen hopping across lawns, pausing to listen for earthworms. During the breeding season, they are territorial, with males vigorously defending their areas through song and occasional physical confrontations.
They may form loose flocks in winter, especially when foraging in fruit-rich areas.
Vocalisation
The Blackbird's song is a rich, melodious warble, often described as flute-like and unhurried. Males typically sing from high perches, especially at dawn and dusk.
Their alarm call is a sharp, repeated 'chink-chink-chink'. When startled, they may emit a characteristic harsh, chattering 'tseee-tseee-tseee' as they fly away.
Nesting & Breeding
Blackbirds typically breed from March to July in the UK. Males attract females with their melodious songs and displays of their bright bills. Pairs often remain together for multiple seasons.
The female constructs a large cup-shaped nest of dry grass stems, small twigs packed with mud, and lined with fine grass and stems, usually placed 0.5-15 m off the ground in bushes, trees, climbing plants, or human structures. She lays 3-5 pale blue-green eggs with reddish-brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, primarily by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 13-15 days. Blackbirds often raise 2-3 broods per season.
Lifespan
The Blackbird typically lives for 3 to 4 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 21.8 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Blackbird is listed as Least Concern globally, some local populations face challenges. In the UK, numbers have declined in recent years, possibly due to agricultural practices and urban development changes.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining diverse habitats and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Blackbirds foraging on lawns, especially after rain
- Listen for their melodious song, often delivered from a high perch
- In the UK, watch for them turning over leaves in gardens during autumn
- Observe their bold behaviour around bird feeders
- Note the distinctive yellow eye-ring to differentiate from other black birds
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Common Blackbird, Eurasian Blackbird
Family:
TurdidaePredators
Main predators include domestic and feral cats, sparrowhawks, and magpies. Eggs and nestlings are vulnerable to corvids, squirrels, and rats.
Did You Know?
- Blackbirds can mimic other bird species and even human-made sounds in their songs.
- In the UK, a rare yellow variant of the Blackbird occasionally occurs due to a genetic mutation.
- Blackbirds feature prominently in European folklore and literature, including the Beatles' song 'Blackbird'.
- Blackbirds can dig through 5-7cm of snow to find food.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
1 rating from birders
Latest Community Reviews
Ptaszek Staszek
FAQs
Can Blackbirds recognise humans?
Blackbirds are territorial creatures that share our gardens and urban spaces throughout the year. They undoubtedly grow accustomed to our presence within ‘their’ territories, and birds that are fed regularly probably learn to recognise the individuals that feed them.
Are Blackbirds good for the garden?
Blackbirds are a natural part of healthy environments, including our parks and gardens. They are generally lovely creatures to have around, although some gardeners woe their habit of digging up mulched flowerbeds and eating beneficial earthworms.
On the plus side, Blackbirds also feed on pest insects, and these birds are a joy to watch.
Do Blackbirds keep other birds away?
Blackbirds are not overly aggressive towards other bird species, although some individuals become rather aggressive in the nesting season and will even chase off other garden birds within their territory.
Similar Birds
References
- 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Turdus merula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T103888106A87871094.
View source - 4
report, 2015: EBCC
- 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source