Common Blackbird

Turdus merula

Male blackbirds are famous for their beautiful, complex songs, which they often perform from high perches at dawn and dusk.

Scientific name: Turdus merula
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Passeriformes › Turdidae › Turdus
IUCN Red List status: Not Evaluated
Population trend: stable
Biome: urban
Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, parks, and scrubland.
Diet: Omnivorous, primarily feeding on insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits.
Range: Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, Australia, New Zealand
Size: 23-29 cm
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Active: diurnal
Threats: Predation by domestic cats, habitat loss, and exposure to pesticides.
Safe to approach?: Harmless to humans. If you find an injured bird, place it in a dark, ventilated box in a quiet area to reduce stress and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to provide food or water unless instructed by a professional.

Photo: Luiz Lapa, CC-BY, via iNaturalist