The male blackbird is one of our most recognisable birds. Most of us are familiar with the sight of this jet black bird with his bright yellow beak probing the lawn for earthworms. They can also be one of the most charismatic birds to feed as many will quickly learn where the food is coming from - we’ve heard many a story of blackbirds knocking on windows in the morning to remind the residents that they need their breakfast of live worms or suet pellets (both a particular favourite).

Length: 24-25cm

Wingspan: 34-38cm

Conservation Status: Green

Description: The distinctive male cannot be confused with any other British bird. His plumage is jet black with an orange-yellow bill and eye ring. The females are brown, often with a dark mottling on the breast and have a darker bill than the male, sometimes almost completely brown. Juveniles are similar to the female but with stronger mottling on the underparts and a dark bill. From August, young males start to resemble adults, but will still have some brown in the wings and a dark bill.

Nesting: The nest is built from grass, roots and sticks, often bound together with mud, and is sited in shrubs or trees. Breeding starts in March with 2-3 clutches of 3-5 eggs being laid. The eggs are greenish-blue with reddish spots and are incubated by the female for 12-14 days. Both parents feed the nestlings and they fledge after 10-19 days.

Feeding: A blackbird foraging on the ground is a common sight in gardens. They feed on insects and earthworms, often turning over leaf litter to pick through any tasty morsels that may be underneath. From late summer to early winter they will often switch to a diet richer in fruit and berries. They are softbills so struggle to deal with tough seeds and grain so when feeding them in your garden, it’s best to stick to a specially formulated softbill mix and offer it from a ground feeder rather than a bird table. Live foods and suet pellets are a particular favourite of blackbirds and they’ll soon learn to come back for more if you offer these.

Ultiva Softbill Mix	Insect Treat Pellets	Mealworms	Did you know?
			The blackbird in your garden in winter may not be the same bird that you had in spring. In Autumn, many blackbirds migrate west with British birds moving towards Ireland and European birds moving into the UK.

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