Common blackbird
Turdus merula merula
Habitat
The Common blackbird lives in Europe, with the exception of northern and southeastern Europe. Its habitat consists of a variety of different habitats, but the most important are relatively open deciduous forests, coniferous forests, mixed forests, and deciduous forests. The forests must also contain a lot of undergrowth.
Appearance
Diet
The Common blackbird feeds on plant and animal matter. This bird species is therefore omnivorous.
Breeding
The Common blackbird lives solitarily and territorially. During its first year of life, a male develops its own territory. It uses this territory to find a mate and to breed.
In February and March, the male goes in search of a female. At sunrise, the male begins to sing and perform displays. When the female agrees, they will form a pair. The blackbird is generally a monogamous bird species, but pairs may separate between seasons.
In Europe, the breeding season lasts from March to September. The female builds the nest in bushes, trees, and climbing plants. The nest consists of a cup of dry grass stems and small twigs. The inside of the nest is filled with mud, fine grass, and stems.
The female lays 2 to 6 eggs and incubates them for 10 to 19 days. The young remain in the nest for 13 to 14 days before fledging. After fledging, the parents will continue to care for them for about 20 days.
How may you help the Common blackbird?
The Common blackbird can breed in a semi-open nest box measuring 25 cm wide, 25 cm deep, and 22 cm high. Since the Common blackbird breeds in dense bushes, among other places, the nest is easy prey for cats. This is why the height at which the nest box is placed is extremely important. Hang the nest box in a bush or near a bush at a height of 2 to 3 meters. You can also place the nest box in a wall covered with ivy or in a hedge. The entrance to the nest box should be unobstructed, but invisible enough that predators cannot easily reach it. It is best to orient the entrance hole to the north, northeast, or east, avoiding wind and bright sunlight.
Song thrush
Turdus philomelos
Habitat
The Song thrush is found in western Europe. This bird species prefers deciduous forests and even fairly open areas and edge habitats, such as heath-covered coastal islands, sparse birch forests on hills, and shrubby steppes for breeding. In addition, the Song thrush inhabits almost all types of temperate forests and woodlands. This bird species has also adapted to modern, agricultural, and urban landscapes, allowing the Song thrush to now also reproduce in small wooded areas, parks, residential areas with shrubs and trees, estates, hedgerows, orchards, roadsides, and suburban gardens with a few tall trees.
Appearance
Diet
The Song thrush eats both animal and plant matter, making this bird species omnivorous.
Breeding
From January onwards, the male starts singing to attract a female. When a female responds to his song, he will try to seduce her with certain postures.
In Western Europe, the breeding season runs from mid-March to mid-August. The female builds the nest from blades of grass, moss, and twigs. The inside of the nest is lined with leaves, clay, mud, manure, and rotten wood. The female builds the nest against the trunk of a bush or tree.
The female lays 3 to 5 eggs. The eggs hatch in 10 to 17 days. The young remain in the nest for 11 to 17 days and are fed by both parents. After the young have fledged, they will continue to be cared for by both parents for another 1 to 3 weeks.