Common blackbird

Turdus merula

The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush.

Family: Turdidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern

About the Common blackbird

The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush. It is also known as the Eurasian blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds), 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. The adult male of the common blackbird (Turdus merula merula, the nominate subspecies), which is found throughout most of Europe, is all black except for a yellow eye-ring and bill and has a rich, melodious song. The adult female and juven

Fun Facts About Common blackbird

Both sexes are territorial on the breeding grounds and have distinctive threat displays.
The adult male of the common blackbird (Turdus merula merula, the nominate subspecies), which is found throughout most of Europe, is all black except for a yellow eye-ring and bill and has a rich, melodious song.
This species breeds in woods and gardens, constructing neat, cup-shaped nests bound together with mud.
This common and conspicuous species has given rise to a number of literary and cultural references, often related to its song.
The adult female and juvenile have mainly dark brown plumage.

Conservation Status

The Common blackbird is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Order	passerines
Family	Turdidae
Genus	Turdus
Species	Turdus merula

Range & Habitat