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ForestCup nestMedium · 103 g
What the Common Blackbird sounds like
ID tip
In Europe, the common blackbird can be confused with the paler-winged first-winter ring ouzel (Turdus torquatus) or the superficially similar common starling (Sturnus vulgaris). A number of similar Turdus thrushes exist far outside the range of the common blackbird, for example the South American Chiguanco thrush (Turdus chiguanco). The Indian blackbird (Turdus simillimus), the Tibetan blackbird (Turdus maximus), and the Chinese blackbird (Turdus mandarinus) were formerly treated as subspecies of the common blackbird. The common blackbird of the nominate subspecies T. m. merula is 23. Voice: In its native range in the Northern Hemisphere, the first-year male common blackbird of the nominate race may start singing as early as late January in fine weather in order to establish a territory. This is followed in late March by the adult male.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Common Blackbird
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is May, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Common Blackbird
The map shades 80 countries with regular records, and 4 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
Recorded as a rare visitor in Canada, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Bhutan.
About the Common Blackbird
The common blackbird is a species of true thrush. It is also known as the Eurasian blackbird, or simply the blackbird. It breeds in Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. It has a number of subspecies across its large range; a few former Asian subspecies are now widely treated as separate species. Depending on latitude, the common blackbird may be resident, partially migratory, or fully migratory.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Song ThrushTurdus philomelosThe song thrush (as represented by the nominate subspecies T. p. philomelos) is 20 to 23.5 centimetres (7+3⁄4 to 9+1⁄4 inches) in length and weighs 50 to 107 grams (1+3⁄4 to 3+3⁄4 ounces).
FieldfareTurdus pilarisThe fieldfare is easily recognisable with its slate-grey head, nape and rump, dark brown back, blackish tail and boldly speckled breast.
RedwingTurdus iliacusThe thrush is 20–24 cm long with a wingspan of 33–34.5 cm and a weight of 50–75 g.
Side by side: American Robin vs Common Blackbird · Common Blackbird vs Song Thrush · Common Blackbird vs Fieldfare · Common Blackbird vs Redwing
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