Bird Of The Month

Black Bird

Latin Name – Turdus Merula

Family         – Chats and Thrushes

Overview    -  One of the most common garden birds in the country. Their bossy behaviour also gets them noticed. Black Birds have a fantastic flute like song.

Description- The male is an all black bird embellished only by a golden beak and eye rings. The female is an earthy brown colour with lightly speckled breast and brown beak. They are similar in size to the Song Thrush

Distribution- They are widespread throughout the UK

Habitat- They especially enjoy woodland, hedgerows, parks and gardens

Breeding- Blackbirds have 2-3 broods a year between March and late June. They generally lay between 3-5 eggs and the chicks hatch between 13- 14 days later. Within weeks they will have learned to fly and become independent of their mother about 3 weeks after leaving the nest

Food- Insects, worms and berries are their natural diet. They especially enjoy feeding on VHF Ground Feed Mix, sultanas, rolled oats, mealworms and old apples.

Enhancing your Garden - Blackbirds love to eat berries throughout the autumn and winter months. Among their favourites include Pyracantha, Bramble and Holly.