Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) is one of our most widespread and recognizable songbirds, which hikers encounter from lowland gardens to high mountain forests below the treeline. Adult males are unmistakable with their completely black plumage, which strongly contrasts with a bright yellow or orange bill and a narrow yellow eye-ring. Females and juveniles are much less conspicuous, as their plumage is a protective dark brown colour with lighter spots on the breast, allowing safe nesting in dense shrubbery. It grows to a length of 25 centimetres and is considered one of the best bird singers, as with its melodic flautist motifs it first heralds the morning dawn or bids farewell to the day at dusk.
In the hilly world, it is most easily observed on the ground, where with its bill it tirelessly rummages through dry leaves and soil for earthworms, snails, and various insects, and in autumn it gladly feeds on berries and fruit. Characteristic of the blackbird is hopping on the ground with raised tail and lowered wings, and at each stop it attentively watches the surroundings. Although it has become quite domesticated near mountain huts and settlements, in forests it remains a cautious bird that at danger loudly and excitedly scolds and flees to safe cover with a swift flight just above the ground. With its liveliness and wonderful song echoing between mountain slopes, the blackbird is an indispensable and popular companion on every trip into nature.