Blackbird Turdus merula

Familiar dark bird of woodland and garden

Habitat: gardens, woods, heaths, hedges

Widespread and common resident

All-black male with yellow bill; female is browner; 24–27cm.

Perches openly, walks and hops about searching for worms and insects

Accomplished songster, singing at dawn and throughout the day ; flies off with a scolding chatter when disturbed

Nest is a cup in tree or bush; 2–3 broods from March to May

4–5 light blue eggs, spotted red; hatching in 11–17 days