Blackbird

🔍 Overview

One of the most familiar garden birds in Sussex. Males are sleek black with a bright yellow bill, while females are dark brown. Common across gardens, woodlands, and parks.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Size: Medium (24–25 cm)

Plumage: Black (male), brown (female)

Distinctive Marks: Yellow bill and eye-ring (male)

Bill: Strong and pointed

Tail: Long and rounded

Flight: Low and direct

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Widespread across Sussex in gardens, hedgerows, and woodland edges year-round.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Rich, melodic song often heard at dawn and dusk. Skittish on the ground but confident singers from rooftops.

🍴 Diet

Earthworms, insects, berries, and fallen fruit.

📸 Birding Tip

Often seen on lawns searching for worms. Listen for their mellow, fluting song in spring.