Common Blackbird

Turdus merula

The Common Blackbird is a friendly bird with shiny black feathers and a bright yellow eye ring. They love to sing beautiful songs in gardens and parks!

Habitat: Gardens, parks, and forests

Appearance

The Common Blackbird male is entirely glossy black with a striking orange-yellow beak and eye-ring. Females are dull brown, often with a paler throat and a less vibrant beak. This distinct coloring helps tell them apart from other dark birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTurdidaeGenusTurdus

Common Blackbird

Interesting facts

Male blackbirds can learn to mimic the sounds of human phone rings or car alarms!

Some Common Blackbirds have been known to live for over 20 years in captivity!

Their scientific name, *Turdus merula*, simply means "thrush blackbird"!

They often line their nests with mud, making them super strong and cup-shaped.

Special abilities

Common Blackbird can imitate other birds' calls and even human sounds because of its flexible vocal cords.

Common Blackbird has strong legs and a sturdy bill that helps them flip leaves and dig for worms in the soil.

Common Blackbird can sing complex, flute-like songs from high perches, marking territory and attracting mates.

Measurements & details

Length: 24-29 cm
Wingspan: 34-39 cm
Weight: 0.08-0.125 kg
Lifespan: 2-5 years
Speed: 45 km/h
Clutch Size: 3-6
Incubation: 11-14 days

Diet & Feeding

They are omnivores, eating both wriggly invertebrates from the ground and delicious fruits and berries.

Primary Foods

Earthworms
Insects
Snails
Berries
Fallen fruit

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

Eaten by

Domestic Cat

Felis catus

A common predator, especially in urban areas.

Eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A swift bird of prey that hunts small birds.

Eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

A primary food source, often pulled from damp soil.

Eats

Common Bramble

Rubus fruticosus

Feeds on the fruits, spreading seeds.

Traits

Wildlife

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Singing

Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species.

Forest

Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

Diurnal

Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.

Nocturnal

Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.

Also known as

BlackbirdEurasian Blackbird

Collections

Birds

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Blackbirds are gentle and safe to watch from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Common Blackbird?

Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Common Blackbird?

24-29 cm

What is Common Blackbird's wingspan?

34-39 cm

How much does Common Blackbird weigh?

0.08-0.125 kg

How long does Common Blackbird live?

2-5 years

How fast can Common Blackbird move?

45 km/h

What does Common Blackbird eat?

They are omnivores, eating both wriggly invertebrates from the ground and delicious fruits and berries.