They can be seen everywhere from gardens to the countryside and from coasts to hills
The Blackbird (Turdus merula) is the most common breeding bird in the British Isles, with an estimated population of 4.5 - 6 million pairs. In winter, migrating birds from all over Northern Europe add to our home grown numbers, so this month the blackbird in your garden could be from as far away as Russia! Blackbirds show sexual dimorphism (where the males and females look very different). The males are completely black with bright yellow beaks while the females are a more speckled brown with duller beaks. They are famous for their beautiful song and the first blackbirds should be heard singing by the end of this month. Listen out for them after a shower of rain because it’s thought that’s when they like to sing! They are omnivores with a wide diet including, insects, earthworms, snails, spiders, berries and seeds.
Blackbirds are a real part of our culture, appearing in nursery rhymes and songs and they even have their own patron saint, St Kevin of Glendalough!
Tweet of the Day
To hear the blackbird’s song follow the link below to the BBC’s Tweet of the Day