Fun Facts About Blackbirds

As with all types of true thrush, the blackbirds in the genus Turdus are a type of songbird. They have a particularly beautiful and harmonious birdsong that can be quite varied. They are able to change pitch, rhythm and intensity depending on what is happening in their environment.

When in urban areas, blackbirds raise the pitch of their song to compete with urban sounds such as traffic noise and construction. This means they usually sing at a greater intensity than in rural areas. The less it is heard, the less likely it is to mark its territory and attract a mate. This necessitates the changes to their song in louder environments.

As with many other birds, the plumage of males and females varies in this species. The variety of colors is particularly varied among the different blackbird species, demonstrating great chromatic diversity. For example, male common blackbirds have glossy black plumage with brown legs, a yellow eye ring and an orange beak. Females are dull brown with a slightly lighter throat and some markings on the breast. Juveniles are also brown, although males tend to be darker than females, eventually changing to their characteristic black.

Discover more about sexual dimorphism in animals with our related guide.

Beak color in blackbirds isn't just a matter of aesthetics. It plays a key role in the courtship ritual. In males, that intense orange hue is a signal to females. They prefer males with brighter-colored beaks, as this is directly related to the bird's diet. The more striking the beak, the more it indicates that the male is well-fed, thanks to his consumption of carotenoids. In turn, this demonstrates his ability to forage. So a bright orange beak tells the female that this potential mate is adept at finding good food.

Another fun fact about blackbirds is their courtship rituals. They are fascinating if you ever get the chance to witness them. When a male wants to woo a female, he doesn't just sing beautifully, he deploys an entire choreography. He runs diagonally, tilts his head, opens his beak and emits a deep call. For her part, the female watches motionlessly. If convinced, she raises her head and tail simultaneously, indicating her acceptance.

Another interesting fact about blackbirds is that mating pairs usually remain together for as long as they both live. This is generally the case, but there are some exceptions as fidelity isn't always absolute. In some cases, it has been observed that the offspring may have a father other than the male with whom the female lives. Even so, many blackbirds pair for life, unless something happens and they need to find a new partner.

Learn more about monogamous and polygynous animal relationships with our article on how seals reproduce.

Song is a way of signaling the blackbird's presence in an area to other birds. When a male has chosen a territory, he defends it vigorously. He even pursues any intruder who tries to occupy it. For their part, females are also territorial when choosing a nesting area. They prevent other females from attempting to use that same space.

The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is a bird that parasitizes the nests of other species to incubate and care for its own young. It is particularly adept at deceiving the host species, even capable of imitating the eggs of other females. Blackbirds are not easily fooled by this strategist. They are very aggressive and are able to identify the egg that does not belong to them, expelling it from the nest.

Discover more about survival strategies like that of the cuckoo with our article on examples of symbiosis in nature.

The blackbird has a wide distribution, stretching from temperate Europe to southern Asia and northern Africa. Migration is not a common characteristic of all its populations. In the warmer, westernmost parts of its range, many birds remain year-round without needing to move. Blackbirds frequently move during the winter to milder climates in colder northern regions. Interestingly, urban blackbirds tend to stay even in winter. Urban centers offer milder microclimates and a greater abundance of food.

Migration is an interesting fact about blackbirds, but you can learn more about the different types of migratory birds with our related guide.

Although it is the female who incubates the eggs, both parents are actively involved in raising their young once the chicks hatch. The young are born completely helpless. They are featherless, blind and totally dependent on their parents. For the next two weeks, the male and female take turns feeding them insects and worms. They also keep the nest clean by removing debris. Even after the chicks have fully developed, the adults continue to care for them for about three more weeks, always responding to their insistent calls for food.

Another fun fact about blackbirds is that they are always alert. Like other birds, they have the ability to sleep without completely letting their guard down. While they rest, only one half of their brain enters a deep state of rest, while the other remains active and alert. This phenomenon is known as unihemispheric slow-wave sleep. It not only allows them to partially rest, but also to remain alert to potential threats, especially when sleeping in exposed or unsafe environments.

Blackbirds are not the only animal that has this specific adaptation for sleeping while alert. You can learn more about a fascinating example in the animal kingdom with our article asking how do dolphins sleep without drowning?

If you want to read similar articles to Fun Facts About Blackbirds, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.