Blackbird

Turdus merula

Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: TURDIDAE
AREA OF ORIGIN: europe – asia – africa
Diet: WORMS – INSECTS – SNAILS – BERRIES – FRUITS

The plumage of male blackbirds is black, while that of females is brownish. The male blackbird has a yellow-colored beak. The length of adult birds can reach up to 25.5 cm. In Europe, blackbirds are resident birds in many areas, while in other regions, they are migratory birds (Schaefer 2018). During the breeding season, Turdus merula lives in pairs, but otherwise, it is a solitary bird. At the beginning of the mating season, rival males engage in fights. Blackbirds inhabit forests, parks, and gardens (NABU 2021).

Diet: Blackbirds feed on both plant matter, such as berries and fruits, and animal prey, including earthworms, insects, and snails (NABU 2021).

Conservation status: According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red List Germany, blackbirds are classified as “least concern.”

Exemplary Sources
  • NABU – Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V. (2021)
    Die Amsel: Vom Waldvogel zum Gartenvogel – NABU.
  • Schaefer, M (2018)
    Brohmer – Fauna von Deutschland. Ein Bestimmungsbuch unserer heimischen Tierwelt: Quelle & Meyer Verlag GmbH & Co.