Common Blackbird
Common Blackbird Facts
| Size | 9.4-10.6 inches (24-27 cm) |
| Speed | 22 mph (35 km/h) |
| Weight | 2.4-5.2 ounces (70-150 grams) |
| Lifespan | 2-4 years |
| Food | Berries, grain, seeds, insects, invertebrates |
| Predators | Hawks, owls, cats, foxes; crows, magpies (eggs) |
| Distribution | Europe, North Africa, Asia |
| Habitat | Forests, parks, gardens |
| Order | Passerines |
| Family | Thrushes |
| Scientific name | Turdus merula |
| Characteristics | Bird with black plumage and yellow bill in males; beautiful singing |
Main Characteristics
The common blackbird is a songbird that belongs to the thrush family. Male blackbirds have striking black feathers and a yellow bill, while females are brown. Blackbirds are known for their beautiful melodies.
Distribution and Habitat
Common Blackbirds can be found all across Europe, and even in parts of North Africa and Asia. In the past, they preferred living in forests and were quite shy. Nowadays, they are often spotted in parks and gardens, rummaging through the leaves in search of worms.
Way of Life
Common blackbirds are active from early morning until late evening. They spend a lot of time foraging for food, attracting mates, preening their feathers, and taking baths. Generally, they are solitary creatures, only forming pairs during the breeding season.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
Common blackbirds are roughly twice the size and weight of sparrows, tits, and finches. Their body length is 9.4-10.6 inches (24-27 cm), with a wingspan of 13.3-15 inches (34-38.5 cm). They typically weigh 2.4-5.2 ounces (70-150 grams), averaging around 3.5 ounces (100 grams).
Male Blackbirds
Male blackbirds have glossy black feathers. Their bills are a striking golden yellow, and they feature an orange-yellow ring around their eyes.
Female Blackbirds
Female blackbirds are a dark brown color. Their throat and belly feathers are slightly lighter and may be streaked or spotted, sometimes exhibiting a reddish hue. Their bill is brown. Both males and females have dark brown legs.
Diet
Common blackbirds are omnivores. When foraging for food, they typically stay on the ground, as they prefer to eat earthworms, insects, and snails. They enjoy rummaging through the leaves, often pushing them aside. With their strong bills, they can pull larger worms out of the soil. As autumn arrives, their diet shifts, and they start consuming more berries and fruits.
Behavior
Are Blackbirds Migratory Birds?
In Germany, they are classified as resident birds, meaning they remain in their habitat throughout the year. However, common blackbirds living in colder areas migrate south during the winter months.
Why Do Blackbirds Sit in the Sun With Their Wings Spread?
Sometimes, common blackbirds lie flat on the ground, spreading their tail feathers and wings while keeping their bills wide open. They stay in this position for a while without moving. To us, it may appear as if the birds are sick or injured, but they are simply sunbathing! This behavior helps them warm up and also aids in feather maintenance.
Why Are There Fewer Blackbirds Visible?
For those who enjoy watching these birds, it can be alarming to notice their absence between June and October. Where have they gone? Have they fallen prey to a predator or been hit by a car? No need to worry: in most cases, the birds have just retreated into bushes to molt in peace. They shed their old, worn feathers to make way for new ones.
Singing
The common blackbird is quite a musician. Renowned for its beautiful voice and cheerful, carefree melodies, it primarily uses bright major tones. Additionally, it can sing both very low and very high notes, mastering more than one octave, which means it can produce more than eight notes on the scale. When singing, it perches slightly higher on a branch or a wall. While the males sing loudly and often, the females tend to be quieter and are heard less frequently.
Life Expectancy
Common blackbirds typically live for 2 to 4 years. However, in 1974, a living, banded female was discovered on Helgoland, and she was recorded to be 22 years and 3 months old at that time.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
The primary natural predators of the blackbird include falcons, owls, cats, foxes, weasels, and martens. Their nests are often raided by magpies, ravens, crows, cuckoos, jays, and squirrels.
Human Impact
Agriculture and the use of pesticides pose significant threats to blackbirds as well.
Pets
In Germany alone, domestic cats kill up to 200 million wild birds each year, including blackbirds. The issue is even more severe, as many birds, including blackbirds, tend to avoid their nests when they sense danger. Even if a domestic cat fails to catch a bird, the mere presence of cats alters the behavior of blackbirds. They may not return to their nests, leading to a 50% mortality rate due to starvation, solely because of the presence of house cats.
How To Attract Blackbirds to My Garden
Food
Common blackbirds tend to avoid suet balls as they are too large and heavy for them. They are also rarely seen at large bird feeders or feeding tables. Instead, they prefer to forage on the ground, similar to finches. To entice these birds, it's a good idea to scatter some food on the ground, such as pieces of apple, raisins, and oats.
Plants
If you have a garden, consider planting ivy, knotweed, and wild grapes. These plants provide shelter and nesting opportunities for the birds.
Water Dish
Another great idea is to set up a large, shallow dish filled with water. Common blackbirds enjoy bathing throughout the year. It's essential to change the water daily and keep the dish clean to prevent the spread of diseases among the birds.
Nesting Box
Common blackbirds prefer half-open nest boxes or half-cavities, as these are easily accessible for them.
Reproduction
Breeding Season
Common blackbirds are early breeders, starting their breeding season as early as March. The breeding period lasts from March to July, during which they typically raise 2-3 broods.
Nest Construction
The female constructs a cup-shaped nest in a tree or bush. This nest is made from twigs, grass, plants, and a mixture of clay or soil. The nest-building process takes about two weeks.
Incubation Period
After mating, the female lays 3 to 6 turquoise eggs. The incubation lasts approximately 13 days. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for 13 to 15 days before they fledge.
Juvenile Birds
In their initial months, the young birds resemble the females but lack the spots on their bellies. Male blackbirds develop the yellow eye ring only after reaching one year of age.
Fun Facts
Digging Skills
Blackbirds can dig 2-2.7 inches (5-7 cm) deep into the snow to search for food.
The Common Blackbird Is Related To:
- Thrush
- Flycatcher
- Oxpecker
- Starling
Animals in the Same Biome:
- Black Rat
- Cat
- Common Buzzard
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
- Falcon
- Hawk
- Long-Eared Owl
- Marten
- Red Fox
- Red Kite
- Red Squirrel
- Sparrowhawk
- Tawny Owl
Sources:
- „Vogelwarte – Zeitschrift für Vogelkunde“ (https://www.euring.org)
- „Blackbird“ (https://birdfact.com)
- „Pet cats (Felis catus) from urban boundaries use different habitats, have larger home ranges and kill more prey than cats from the suburbs“ (https://www.sciencedirect.com)
