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Blackbird (Turdus merula)

The Blackbird is such a familiar sight to people living in towns and cities that it is difficult to appreciate that only 150 years ago it was very much a forest bird. Its dark coloration and low pitched, melodious song are both signs of a species that is used to deep shade, the latter because sounds of deep pitch are less easily dampened by foliage than high ones, and therefore travel further. But from about 1850 it began a remarkable spread into urban and suburban areas, one that still continues to this day in the north-east of its range. The takeover has been so complete that Blackbird densities in suburban areas are higher than those of deep forest, or of anywhere else.

Blackbirds are easily seen feeding on lawns or field edges, where they have a distinctive way of operating. The birds stand still, looking or listening for signs of movement and then, if nothing registers, they make a quick run or hop in a linear direction to another lookout point so that they scout from a different place. If they still draw a blank they may change direction, but if something shows they will run towards it and attempt to grab hold. Blackbirds are the most successful of garden birds at eating earthworms from lawns, having acquired the remarkable skill of pulling them out intact, even after a struggle.

The Blackbird’s success is underpinned by adaptability, so it is not surprising that it employs many other methods of feeding, too. Alone among the thrushes that root around in leaf litter the Blackbird is able to scratch the ground with its feet, like a chicken, to reveal morsels just underneath the surface, and it will also take detritus in its bill and toss it aside with a contemptuous flick. In the late summer and autumn its attention turns to fruit, and it has been occasionally recorded snatching it in flight. The Blackbird also readily feeds from bird tables and other artificial sites. In difficult weather conditions its catholic diet enables the Blackbird to find and consume unusual emergency foodstuffs, things such as faeces, tadpoles, fish, kitchen scraps and carrion, when a less adaptable bird such as a Song Thrush would perish.

The Blackbird is an irascible character. Birds frequently confront each other over territory, meeting on the ground face to face, the rivals with feathers ruffled, tail fanned and wings drooped. Fights take place quite regularly, and consist of an unseemly flurry of kicks and pecks, with the protagonists sometimes leaping into the air, as if they were miniature stuntmen playing a scene. But it’s not pretend, and some individuals die of their injuries.

This general testiness extends to the Blackbird’s roosting habits. Outside the breeding season the birds roost communally, usually sharing the same bush, but well spaced. Before settling down, though, there tends to be an almighty discussion about who goes where, with all the birds exchanging angry “chink” calls. A similar volley of abuse is offered to owls being mobbed.

From late winter the males sing their highly complex and euphonious songs. Each bird’s song is distinct, and there is good evidence that the sung repertoire of older birds is better than that of their younger counterparts. Cold weather impedes singing whereas, at least in its early stages, it is promoted by mild, damp conditions. During incubation, however, song is at its peak, and may be heard from well before dawn to after dusk.