The blackbird is actually more of a forest dweller. For several decades, however, the blackbird has also felt at home in the garden.
Blackbirds have made their home in many gardens. Male blackbirds can be easily recognized by their black plumage and orange-yellow beak. The females are less conspicuous and colored brown throughout. No bird species in Germany is more common in parks and gardens.
In the following we reveal more about the habitat, breeding behavior and feeding of the popular garden birds.
Blackbird - from forest bird to onlooker
Our great-grandparents only knew the blackbird as a shy forest bird. In recent decades, blackbirds have established themselves in parks and gardens and have settled in well around humans.
Blackbirds tend to stay near the ground, foraging on lawns and under fallen leaves. Anyone who observes blackbirds will notice that they often remain with their heads tilted to listen to the animals on the ground. Snails, earthworms and other small insects are among the blackbird's preferred foods. In late summer, the birds like to feast on ripe fruits and berries.
Magpies threaten the blackbird in the garden
Blackbirds are welcome in the garden because they know how to entertain the garden owners with their melodic song. The blackbird has conquered its habitat in our gardens and defends it against intruders.
There is only one pair of blackbirds in each garden and they breed up to three times a year. The blackbird does not tolerate rivals. However, the birds are increasingly being pushed out of home gardens by magpies. These have proved to be enemies of the blackbird. They feed their young mostly meat-based foods. To do this, they rob the blackbirds' nests and push the blackbirds back more and more into the woods.
Where do blackbirds nest?
Blackbirds are common in Europe, Asia and Northwest Africa. There they often nest up to the upper tree line. A Himalayan species occurs at elevations greater than 5,000 meters.
The blackbird lives in forests, gardens, parks and backyards. It is noticeablethat the birds, also known as blackbirds, build their nests in unusual places. In addition to trees, bushes and hedges, gutters are also sought out, piles of wood are used as nesting sites and old mailboxes are converted into nurseries.
Nest building begins immediately after mating. The female is responsible for selecting the nesting site. The nests are up to two meters high and are covered with moss or grass from above.
» By the way: The blackbird is rarely found in nesting boxes, and these are rarely accepted as a substitute for hedges. There is a greater chance of encountering blackbirds in planted balcony boxes.
➔ When is the blackbird breeding season?
Blackbirds breed in the months February to July. During this time three to five broods grow up. These consist of three to six blue-green colored eggs, which are laid one day apart. The chicks hatch after about 14 days.
The still flightless birds leave the nest after two weeks. Both parents feed the young for another three weeks.
Tip: In order not to endanger the brood, cat owners should not let their house tiger outdoors in the first few days after escaping from the nest.
What do blackbirds eat?
As already mentioned, mainly worms, snails, larvae and small insects are found on the blackbird's diet. But also seeds and fallen fruit are on it. A natural garden provides a rich supply of food.
In autumn, blackbirds increasingly search piles of leaves for insects. The blackbird gets earthworms directly from the ground on a short lawn.
An overview of the blackbird menu:
- Insects
- Earthworms
- May beetle
- Leaf Beetle
- Weevil
- Longhorn
- Scarab Beetle
- Snails
- Butterflies
- Centipede
- Ants
Almost all berries and fruits are added:
- Apples
- Pears
- Rose Hips
- Raspberries
- Plums
- Wild cherries
- Tomatoes
- Walnuts
- Mulberries
- Rowberries
When and how to feed blackbirds?
Blackbirds can also forage under low snow cover. However, the food supply is low in winter. Garden owners can help blackbirds in winter and provide extra food.
The blackbird is a so-called eater of soft food. Therefore are not suitable for feeding the blackbird grains. Another special feature is that the blackbird should not be served from the aviary, but should be offered food near the ground
.Blackbirds should preferably be provided with the following food:
- small pieces of fruit
- Dried fruit (raisins)
- Poppy
- Oatmeal
The oatmeal can be soaked in sunflower oil. Special mixtures for soft feed eaters are also available on the market.
Our recommendation:
Tip: Blackbirds should only be fed by humans in winter.