# How Long Do Blackbirds Live?

> Blackbird lifespan is typically 3–4 years average (up to 20+). What shortens or extends life, life stages, and status (Least Concern).

- **Species:** Blackbird (*Turdus merula*)
- **Conservation status:** Least Concern
- **Diet:** Omnivore (worms, insects, berries, fruit)
- **Habitat:** Gardens, woodland, parks, hedgerows
- **Lifespan:** 3–4 years average (up to 20+)
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/blackbird/how-long-do-blackbird-live/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/blackbird/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a familiar garden thrush across Europe, prized for its rich, fluting song. The male is glossy black with a bright orange-yellow bill and eye-ring, while the female is dark brown. About 27 cm (11 in) long and weighing 80 to 125 g, it forages for worms and berries in gardens, woodland, parks, and hedgerows. Most live only a few years, though some reach 20 or more, and the IUCN lists the species as Least Concern.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a prognosis for one named animal. This page is a species lifespan range.

## Appearance and sexes

The blackbird shows clear differences between the sexes. The male is entirely glossy black with a striking orange-yellow bill and a matching ring around the eye, while the female is a warm dark brown, often with faint mottling on the breast. Young birds resemble the female but are more rufous and spotted. Measuring about 27 cm (11 in) long with a wingspan of 34 to 39 cm and weighing 80 to 125 g, it is a medium-sized, round-bodied thrush.

## Help protect the Blackbird

Even familiar animals lose ground as wild habitat keeps shrinking worldwide.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/blackbird/how-long-do-blackbird-live/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.