The Wet Woodland Bird Survey
Blackbird Turdus merula
Appearance | A common thrush-like bird. The male is all black with a yellow bill and
eyering. The female is browner with subdued speckling on breast, varying considerably from
rufous brown to greyish brown. The first winter, males retain dark brown wing
feathers. Size: 24-27cm tall |
Voice | Loud harsh chatter of alarm. The song is a fluty warble. |
Habitat | Gardens, heaths, woods and hedges. |
Food | Insects, worms and berries. |
Breeding Habits | 4-5 eggs in a cup-like nest in a tree or bush. Incubation takes
11-17 days and fledging takes 12-19 days. 2-3 broods per year; March-May. |
Location in Wet Woodland | It was only seen in the bluebell area and the stony area. There were
very few sightings (only two). This may be because these birds were moulting when the
survey was taking place and when they do this, they stay hidden and become very secretive.
It was seen only briefly hopping into a bush. |