Common Blackbird ( Turdus merula )
Common Blackbird - Common Blackbird information - Common Blackbird facts
The common blackbird is spread practically all around Europe apart from northern parts of Scandinavia, then it is spread in Asia and north-western parts of Africa. The birds living in the eastern part of Europe and in Scandinavia tend to migrate in comparison to the other birds of this kind. These birds live in parks, woodland areas, cemeteries and are also very often seen in gardens. In general, they prefer wet places. Their nest is usually cup-shaped and located in a tree, a bush or on the houses. It is made of twigs, sticks, grass, leaves which are all fixed with mud.
Turdus merula is approximately 29 cm (11.5 inches) long. The cock has got a jet black coloured plumage with an yellow-orange bill. The bill is darker during winter time. The hens are dark brown and have a brown bill. The young have similar plumage to the hens, but the bill is yellowish. These birds do not live in flocks, however sometimes birds can be seen in pairs.
Blackbirds can be recognized by their strong voice, moreover they have a large variety of voice types. The blackbirds feed on invertebrates, earthworms, snails, slugs - which are easily found in wet conditions, for instance after rain, then they eat berries and a variety of fruit (cherries, grapes, etc.). The hens have from 3 to 7 greenish-blue eggs with reddish-brown markings. The hatching lasts 13-14 days and the offspring are fed by their parents for another 14-15 days.
Common Blackbird ( Turdus merula )
Common Blackbird - hen
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