You are currently viewing Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Scientific name: Turdus merula

Family: Chats and thrushes

Wingspan: 34-38cm

Diet: Many invertebrates and fruits

Feed with: Sofbill mixes, live foods and fruits

Habitat: In most places, but prefers lots of tree coverage

Lifespan: 3-4 Years

Blackbird Territoriality

Blackbirds are unsociable and territorial. They prefer to be alone rather than in big groups, and during the first year of its life a male blackbird will develop its own territory. This territory will be used to feed and to find a mate and breed.

At the end of the breeding season, territory divides breakdown and many birds will begin to feed outside of their territories. At the start of spring, and right through until the end of July, male blackbirds will defend their territories against all other blackbirds.

Blackbird Breeding & Nesting

Around March, a male blackbird will begin to look for a female companion. Blackbirds as a species can rear between 2 and 3 broods of 3 to 5 eggs. Weather can have an influence on when the breeding season will occur – either bringing it forward or possibly delaying it.

Females of the species are responsible for nest building as well as incubating the clutch of eggs. Nest are located low down and often covered by trees and shrubs.

Blackbird Feeding:

A Blackbird foraging on the ground is a common sight in gardens. They feed on insects and earthworms, often turning over leaf litter to pick through any tasty morsels that may be underneath. From late summer to early winter they will often switch to a diet richer in fruit and berries.

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