Phil Bendle Collection:Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Phylum: Chordata 
Class: Aves 
Order: Passeriformes 
Family: Muscicapidae 
Genera: Turdus
Species: T merula 
Scientific name: Turdus merula 
Common name: Blackbird 

Turdus merula is an introduced bird from Europe. The adult male is black with a bright orange bill. Adult size is 25 cm in length and weighs about 90 g. The female is dark brown with paler throat and smudgy mottled breast; bill brown and dull orange. The juvenile rusty brown, especially on the head; pale streaks on back and wing coverts; brown barring on underparts; bill dark brown. Immature male (Apr-Jan) has brown wings contrasting with the black body. The blackbird feeds mainly on the ground. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits. It hops rather than walks. Its song is a loud clear tuneful warble. Its alarm call is a persistent sharp 'tchink-tchink'. This species breeds during Aug- Jan in woods and gardens, building a neat, mud-lined, cup-shaped nest.

Male (orange bill)

Female blackbird
[1] 

A nest under construction. Early October.
[2]

The base of the nest is lined with damp moss before being covered with straw and other dry materials.

Same nest as above
[3]

3-day old chicks with membrane still covering their eyes. The four photos below are of sleeping chicks with one thinking the photographers is its mother returning with food.
[4] 

[5]

One remaining fledgeling perched on edge of the nest waiting for its parents. Chicks are fed by both parents.
[6]

A fledgeling bird that has just fallen out of the nest.
[7]

Song of the blackbird
VIDEO

Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information[8]http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ 

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