blackbird

Turdus merula

• Males have black plumage and a bright yellow beak
   
• Females have brown plumage, a mottled breast and a brownish beak
   
• Flight is usually low and over short distances and often accompanied by a harsh chattering alarm call
  
  
• A beautiful mellow song - click on the recording below to listen:

 

Where found

Almost anywhere except the most barren uplands. Thrives in gardens and parks. You’re as likely to find them nesting in a city centre as on a farm. Nests in trees and bushes.
 

When to look for

• Nest building from February
   
• Produces 2 or 3 broods between March and May
  
  
  

Did you know?

• Blackbirds are residents, so can be seen at any time
  
  
• They are monogamous, and established pairs will stay together for as long as they both survive
  
  
• The blackbird is the national bird of Sweden, which has a breeding population of 1–2 million pairs
  
  
• In folklore, a blackbird nesting near the house is seen to be a harbinger of good fortune
  
  
• Blackbirds are found throughout the temperate parts of Europe, Asia, North Africa and Australia
  
  
• The name blackbird is first recorded as applied to the species Turdus merula in 1486