Bird of the Week KW46 - The Blackbird

The blackbird is one of the larger, smaller garden birds. It is also called the "black thrush" and belongs to the "thrush" family. The blackbird is the most common of all thrush species, not only in Germany but throughout Europe. 

Body measurements:

The blackbird grows to approximately 24–27 cm in length and can reach a wingspan of up to 38.5 cm. This songbird weighs between 70 and 150 g.

Look:

Males can be recognized by their black appearance and yellow beak. Females, on the other hand, usually have browner plumage.

Nutrition:

Blackbirds are very flexible and adapt to what's available. They hunt for worms and beetles if available. In the summer months, they feed primarily on animal food. As the weather gets colder and the animal options are less plentiful, berries and other fruits are on the menu.

Courtship and nest building:

Pairing usually occurs in late winter and spring. However, males have been observed establishing territories as early as November. Blackbirds are open-nesting birds. Nests are generally built in trees, bushes, or on the ground. However, special semi-cavities are also readily available as nesting boxes. The incubation period is approximately 10-19 days.

Life expectancy:

The average life expectancy of the blackbird is 3.6 years, but can vary greatly from location to location. Predators, road traffic, and other human-induced influences have a significant impact on life expectancy.

Danger:

In Germany, the blackbird is the most common breeding bird, along with the chaffinch, with 7.9 to 9.5 million breeding pairs in 2016. Populations in Europe have increased again in recent years and are currently stable.

Tip for feeding in winter:

Blackbirds are carnivores, but they also love fruit. In the wild, they mostly find fallen fruit in Central Europe during the fall and winter. Blackbirds, however, are truly crazy about bananas. Bananas are also very energy-dense and provide the small songbirds with the perfect nourishment for cold winter nights. If you're feeling fancy, take a slightly ripe banana, slice it lengthwise, and stick it on a branch in the garden, or skewer it on a hook on a bird feeder—the blackbirds will love it.

We hope you enjoyed this little excursion. 😊 Do you also have blackbirds visiting your home?

Feel free to write it to us in the comments.