Common Blackbird

Adult males are solid black with bright orange-yellow beaks and eye-rings. Females are dark brown with faint streaking on the breast and a duller brown beak. Juveniles are rufous-brown with pale spotting.

All-black plumage (male), yellow eye-ring, yellow bill, long tail.

Length: 23-29 cm (9.2-11.4 in); Wingspan: 34-38 cm (13.5-15 in); Weight: 80-125 g.

A rich, flute-like melodic song; alarm call is a loud, rattling 'chink-chink-chink'.

Omnivorous; consumes insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits. Forages primarily on the ground.

Gardens, woodlands, parks, and farmland with hedges.

Resident in much of its range; Northern European populations migrate south or west for the winter.

Cupped nest made of twigs and mud, usually in bushes or trees; 3-5 eggs per clutch; multiple broods per season.

European Starling (shorter tail, speckled plumage); Ring Ouzel (white crescent on the breast).

Acts as an important seed disperser for various plants and helps control insect and earthworm populations.

Least Concern (IUCN); population remains widespread and abundant.

Look for them on suburban lawns and garden edges, particularly at dawn and dusk when they are most active foraging.

The blackbird is often mentioned in literature and music, including the famous Beatles song 'Blackbird', which was inspired by its call.