Turdus merula

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Family

Muscicapidae

Genus

Turdus

Species

merula

Common Names

Common Blackbird, Blackbird, European Blackbird, Merle

Distinguishing Features

The species is a medium bird of 25-26cm in size. The male bird is a glossy black colour with a deep yellow beak and a yellow eye ring. The female and young are a slightly patchy brown colour, the young with lighter underparts.

 

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

A high fine 'tseee' warbling song or a harsh screeching chatter if alarmed.

 

Similar Species

The Common Blackbird is distinct due to its yellow eye ring and as it is much smaller than any other black coloured bird.

Distribution

The bird is common in the southeast corner of Australia, from Adelaide to Sydney to southern Tasmania.

Country of Origin

The species is native to Europe, northern Africa and southern Asia. It was introduced into Australia at Melbourne in the 1850s and later at Adelaide.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

The population number has stabilised at a fairly abundant number. Bird numbers are highest in February and March (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

The species is introduced and abundant, and considered a moderate pest, especially in orchards, vineyards and market gardens. It also competes with native birds.

LSCCES Population

The Common Blackbird was found in highest numbers at the ANBG. Some were also sighted at ANU, CSIRO, Black Mountain. and Black Mountain Peninsula.

Associated vegetation community

This species is comfortable in suburban home gardens, on lawn or in leaf litter. It has now also moved into forest or woodland areas, orchards and farmlands.

Limiting Resources

This species depend on some vegetation, however a typical suburban garden is plentiful in all the shelter and food this species requires. It survives best in areas that are free from the predation of domestic pets.

Breeding

In Canberra, Blackbirds commonly breed close to houses in well-hidden, cup-shaped nests of mud and grasses. They will also nest in trees and bushes or in tree hollows. A clutch size is usually four, with the blue-grey and red-brown spotted eggs, needing 14 days incubation. Both parents feed the young until they leave the nest after 13 days.

Behaviour

Male Blackbirds are known for their melodious song in the early spring mornings. Normally Blackbirds are seen alone or in pairs, but sometimes group together in areas where fruit is ripening. Both sexes are strongly territorial.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

Blackbirds forage for earthworms, garden snails (Helix aspersa) and spiders. They also eat seeds and soft fruit.

Predators

Blackbirds are thought to spread weeds, such as blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) and will compete with native birds for food and nesting sites. They can also cause damage to gardens with their strong legs and feet when foraging.

Interesting Fact

Blackbirds often pause their activities to tilt their head to one side as if listening.