Blackbird

Male Blackbird- Brixton Water Lane

I've often wondered why the Blackbird is named so when there are other British birds more deserving of the title like the Carrion crow or Raven. Indeed the female is actually brown and the male has very noticeable orange beak and eye ring. I've read that until C18th larger birds like the Carrion Crow and the Raven were referred to as fowl, where as the smaller species were called birds this may be how the Blackbird got its name. I enjoy watching them tilt their heads to one side as if listening for worms in fact I think they are looking for food. Males may be seen performing quite fancy displays to attract a female. Once they do they will usually mate in their pair for life. Many are resident all year through but in late autumn and through winter numbers swell as migratory birds visit.