Blackbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Blackbird |
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| An adult male | |
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Turdus
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| Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758
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| Approximate distribution shown in grey | |
The blackbird (Turdus merula), also called the common blackbird, is a well-known songbird. It is part of the thrush family called Turdidae.
These birds live in many places across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They have also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Blackbirds have different types, called subspecies, depending on where they live. Some blackbirds stay in one place all year. Others travel long distances, or migrate, to warmer areas when the weather gets cold.
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What Blackbirds Look Like
The adult male blackbird is easy to spot. It is completely black with a bright yellow or orange beak. Young blackbirds and females are brown. This makes them harder to see in their natural homes.
You can often find blackbirds in gardens across Europe and in parts of Asia. They usually live south of the Arctic Circle. On average, blackbirds live for about 2.4 years. However, some have been known to live for 20 years!
Blackbird Behavior
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Blackbirds are amazing singers. They will start to breed and have babies whenever the weather is good.
Defending Their Home
Male blackbirds protect their breeding area. They chase away other males that come too close. Sometimes, they do a "bow and run" display. This means they run a short distance, lift their head, then bow it down while dipping their tail. If two male blackbirds fight, it is usually quick. The unwanted bird is soon chased away.
Female blackbirds also get aggressive in spring. They compete with other females for the best nesting spots. Their fights are not as common, but they can be more intense.
How Blackbirds Find a Mate
The male blackbird tries to attract a female with a special courtship display. He runs in a zig-zag way and bows his head. He also opens his beak and makes a low, "strangled" song. The female will stay still until she lifts her head and tail to show she is ready to mate.
Blackbirds are usually monogamous, meaning a male and female pair stay together. They often stay together for as long as both birds are alive. However, some pairs might separate if they have trouble raising their young. Even though they are usually a pair, studies have shown that sometimes a female might have chicks with a different male.
Travel and Winter Habits
If there is enough food in winter, both the male and female blackbird will stay in their territory. They might use different parts of the area, though. Blackbirds that migrate are more social. They travel in small groups and feed together in their winter homes.
When migrating, blackbirds fly with quick bursts of wing beats. They then glide or dive. This is different from their usual fast, agile flight. It is also different from how larger thrushes fly, which is more of a dipping motion.
See also
In Spanish: Blackbird para niños
