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Eurasian Blackbird

Turdus merula

Description:

The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush. It is also called Eurasian Blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds),[2] or simply Blackbird, where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. It breeds in Europe, 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 of the Asian subspecies are sometimes considered to be full species. Depending on latitude, the Common Blackbird may be resident, partially migratory or fully migratory. The male of 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 juvenile have mainly dark brown plumage. This species breeds in woods and gardens, building a neat, mud-lined, cup-shaped nest. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits. Both sexes are territorial on the breeding grounds, with distinctive threat displays, but are more gregarious during migration and in wintering areas. Pairs will stay in their territory throughout the year where the climate is sufficiently temperate. This common and conspicuous species has given rise to a number of literary and cultural references, frequently related to its song. Wikipedia. Thanks Phillips and Nuwan.

6 Comments

Khathoub
Khathoub 11 years ago

interesting.. oh yes you did.. thanks alot.. :)

Nimbid Ditavi
Nimbid Ditavi 11 years ago

The Thrushes are really easy to distinguish from male to female by the orange circle around its eye, if it has it (as this one), it's male, if not, it's female. Hope I helped :)

NuwanChathuranga
NuwanChathuranga 11 years ago

Phillip Torres is on the right path :)

Khathoub
Khathoub 11 years ago

it was early in the morning.. on top of a mountain.. mebe thats the reason why its bluish.. can u pls tell me how to identify whether its a male or a female.. thanks alot Phillip.

Nimbid Ditavi
Nimbid Ditavi 11 years ago

Also, it's a male!

Nimbid Ditavi
Nimbid Ditavi 11 years ago

It looks like a Great thrush (Turdus fuscater) but I'm not sure, it looks kind of blue, did you apply any filter to this photo?

Khathoub
Spotted by
Khathoub

Sri Lanka

Spotted on Jan 12, 2013
Submitted on Jan 12, 2013

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