Blackbird (Turdus merula)
Blackbird (Turdus merula)

The males live up to their name but, confusingly, females are brown often with spots and streaks on their breasts. The bright orange-yellow beak and eye-ring make adult male blackbirds one of the most striking garden birds. One of the commonest UK birds, its mellow song is also a favourite.

Key ID Features:
The adult male has an all black body with yellow bill and eye ring.
Immature males are duller black, with brown wings and a dark bill.
The female is dark brown with variable mottling on the breast and a duller yellowish bill.
Generally feeds among leaf litter with a staccato hopping motion and aggressive posturing with raised tail.

Overview
Scientific name: Turdus merula.
Family: Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Where to see them:
Found everywhere in gardens and countryside and from coasts to hills, although not on the highest peaks.

Seen in UK:
All year round.

What they eat
Insects, worms and berries.

Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley

Blackbird (Turdus merula)

The males live up to their name but, confusingly, females are brown often with spots and streaks on their breasts. The bright orange-yellow beak and eye-ring make adult male blackbirds one of the most striking garden birds. One of the commonest UK birds, its mellow song is also a favourite.

Key ID Features:
The adult male has an all black body with yellow bill and eye ring.
Immature males are duller black, with brown wings and a dark bill.
The female is dark brown with variable mottling on the breast and a duller yellowish bill.
Generally feeds among leaf litter with a staccato hopping motion and aggressive posturing with raised tail.

Overview
Scientific name: Turdus merula.
Family: Chats and thrushes (Turdidae)

Where to see them:
Found everywhere in gardens and countryside and from coasts to hills, although not on the highest peaks.

Seen in UK:
All year round.

What they eat
Insects, worms and berries.

Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
For more information click here

Photographer: Tim Tapley