Blackbird

Description

The Blackbird, is a species of true thrush and breeds in Europe, Asia, North Africa and it has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand.

Depending on latitude, the Blackbird may be resident, partially migratory or fully migratory. It is estimated there are up to 160 million individuals in Europe. A good example of partial a migrant, is a case where a ringed bird travelled from a garden in Norfolk, to an identical garden in Devon, every year!

The male Blackbird, is all black except for a yellow eye-ring and bill and has a wide range of vocalisations. The adult female Blackbird and juvenile have mainly brown plumage. She builds a neat, mud-lined, cup-shaped nest. The Blackbird is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits. Our Blackbird and Thrush mix is an ideal supliment food, and should be fed from a ground tray.

Both sexes are territorial in their breeding grounds, with distinctive threat displays. Pairs will stay in their territory throughout the year.

Facts

Typical Lifespan
3 years

Age at First Breeding
1 year

Number of Broods
2 - 3

Fledgling
14 - 16 days

Incubation
13 - 14 days

Clutch Size
3 - 4 eggs

Egg Weight
7.2 g

Egg Size
29 x 21 mm

Weight
100g

Wingspan
36 cm

Length
24 cm

Number in Britain
9 million

Maximum Recorded Age
14 years 2 months

Habitat
Woodland, scrub, towns

Diet
Mainly insects and earthworms, also fruit, mostly from ground

Quick Facts

First Clutches Laid in late April
The Blackbird has been declining since 1970’s, but started to recover in the 80’s.
The decline may have been through intensive farming.
They feed on earth worms, berries, fruit and a large variety of insects.
Blackbirds hop across the lawn stopping at intervals listening, and looking for worms, they grab the worm, pulling it out of the ground with great effort.
They enjoy scattering leaves searching for grubs.
The nest is made mainly by the female, although the male may help by collecting the materials which include stems, twigs, mud and grass.
Blackbirds tend to be solitary birds.
Male birds determine their territory in their first year, which they will protect throughout their lives.
Nesting season starts two weeks earlier in gardens than in woodlands.
Blackbirds only live until they are 3 – 4 years old