Quick answer
Blackbirds (Turdus merula) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The glossy garden thrush with a golden song. Adults typically weigh 80–125 g (2.8–4.4 oz), reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and live 3–4 years average (up to 20+). They feed on omnivore (worms, insects, berries, fruit) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Gardens, woodland, and parks across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia; introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
Key takeaway
Blackbirds (Turdus merula) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The glossy garden thrush with a golden song. Adults typically weigh 80–125 g (2.8–4.4 oz), reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and live 3–4 years average (up to 20+). They feed on omnivore (worms, insects, berries, fruit) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Gardens, woodland, and parks across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia; introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
Blackbird overview
Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a bird listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight 80–125 g (2.8–4.4 oz); lifespan around 3–4 years average (up to 20+).
Blackbird ecology
Diet: Omnivore (worms, insects, berries, fruit). Habitat: Gardens, woodland, parks, hedgerows. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Blackbirds and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild blackbirds are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Blackbird profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Blackbirds inhabit Gardens, woodland, and parks across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia; introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Their preferred habitat includes gardens, woodland, parks, hedgerows, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persiste
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult blackbirds typically measure about 0.27 m in length and weigh 80–125 g (2.8–4.4 oz). They can sprint at up to 40 km/h (25 mph) when hunting or escaping predators. Blackbirds are known for the glossy garden thrush with a golden song — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Blackbird FAQs
What are key facts about blackbirds?
Blackbirds (Turdus merula) are birds found across Europe, Asia, Africa. The glossy garden thrush with a golden song. Adults typically weigh 80–125 g (2.8–4.4 oz), reach speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), and live 3–4 years average (up to 20+). They feed on omnivore (worms, insects, berries, fruit) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Gardens, woodland, and parks across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia; introduced to Australia and New Zealand.
What is the scientific name of the blackbird?
Turdus merula — used in research and conservation listings for blackbirds.
What do blackbirds eat?
Blackbirds eat worms, insects, berries and fruit, with seasonal and regional variation in Gardens, woodland, parks, hedgerows.
Where do blackbirds live?
They are associated with Gardens, woodland, parks, hedgerows. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of blackbirds?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.