Turdus merula
The Common Blackbird, *Turdus merula*, is a highly recognizable and widespread thrush species, iconic across much of its native range. Males are distinctly entirely glossy black, complemented by a vibrant orange-yellow bill and a prominent yellow eye-ring, typically measuring 23.5-29 cm in length with a wingspan of 34-38.5 cm and weighing 80-125 g. Females, in contrast, are dark brown with a duller brownish or yellowish-brown bill, often displaying faint streaking on the throat and breast, wh...
Common Blackbirds thrive in a variety of habitats, primarily preferring woodlands, forest edges, suburban gardens, and urban parks, found from sea level up to moderate mountain elevations.
Primarily insectivorous and frugivorous, their diet consists mainly of earthworms, insects, larvae, and other invertebrates, supplemented by a significant intake of berries and fruits, primarily foraged on the ground.
Common Blackbirds are largely diurnal, exhibiting peak activity during early morning and late evening, often roosting communally in dense vegetation. They are adept ground-foragers, typically employing a characteristic 'run-stop-cock head' technique to detect invertebrates before probing the soil...
The Common Blackbird boasts an extensive geographical distribution, breeding widely across Europe, from Iceland and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean Basin, and extending eastward across vast swathes of Asia through Russia, the Middle East, and parts of China. Northern European and Asian pop...
Least Concern
- The Common Blackbird's male is known for its incredibly rich and varied song, which can sometimes include mimicry of other birds or even man-made sounds. - Despite its name, the Common Blackbird is not closely related to the North American 'blackbirds' (e.g., Red-winged Blackbird), which are ic...