Blackbird Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)

Blackbirds are a familiar sight in the UK with more than 5 million resident breeding pairs. During winter their number swells to anywhere between 10 to 15 million birds! This easily recognisable member of the Thrush family has a song that almost everyone will have heard at some point.

Males have a glossy black plumage with a bright yellow-orange beak and yellow eye ring. Females and juveniles are a brown colour and their breasts are often covered with spots or streaks.

In this article we’ll look at the life cycle of the Blackbird from nest building to fledging. Keep reading to find out more.

How Long Does A Blackbird Live?

The average life expectancy of a Common Blackbird is around 3 years with a typical bird reaching sexual maturity at the age of one year. However, if conditions are favourable, Blackbirds can live for far longer.

In the year 2000, a Blackbird was found to have reached the age of 15 years and 2 months according to ring data.

How Fast Can A Blackbird Fly?

Blackbirds can reach speeds of between 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 km/h). However, their flight speed varies depending on the wind speed and direction and the type of flight.

For instance a bird moving to a completely new location (migration) will often fly faster than a Blackbird moving a few feet in search of food etc. On short journeys, the Blackbird will fly low to the ground using slow wingbeats.

On longer journeys, Blackbirds use a direct, undulating flight pattern. They can travel for long distances when migrating and often fly at night on their migratory journeys. 

Are Blackbirds Aggressive?

Blackbirds are not generally considered to be aggressive to humans but they can display territorial aggression particularly during the breeding season. This aggressive behaviour is more common in male Blackbirds especially when competing for territory or breeding partners.

Both males and females will display aggressive behaviour around nesting sites and feeding grounds during the breeding season. However, during the rest of the year, Blackbirds are generally more tolerant of each other as well as other bird species.

What Is A Blackbird’s Habitat?

Blackbirds breed in Europe, Asia, North Africa and since the 1850s Australia and New Zealand as well. Many northern European Blackbirds migrate to the relatively warmer UK during winter which increases the UK population by around three times the resident number.

Originally a woodland bird, the Blackbird is now found in a number of various locations ranging from grassland, farmland, woodland as well as towns and cities. This highly adaptable nature has led to the Blackbird thriving as a species all over the world.

How Long Does It Take For A Blackbird To Build A Nest?

It can take up to 2 weeks for the female Blackbird to build a nest. Considering the short amount of time the eggs and chicks remain in the nest this might seem excessive. However, she will return to the same nest every year.

The nest also needs to be of a sound construction because of where it is positioned. Blackbirds nest either in trees, shrubs, on the ground or in climbing plants. It is constructed from twigs, grass, straw, plant materials and made into a cup shape.

The nest is then lined with mud and fine grass to strengthen the nest in order to protect their eggs and chicks.

Eggs

Once she is satisfied with the construction of the nest, the female will lay her eggs. 

When Do Blackbirds Lay Eggs?

Blackbirds typically lay their eggs between March and June. The exact time depends on factors like the age and experience of the breeding pair, the availability of food and the climatic conditions.

A pair of Blackbirds can raise 2 or even 3 broods each season which gives the potential for around 10 to 12 new birds adding to the local population.

How Many Eggs Does A Blackbird Lay?

A typical clutch contains 3 to 5 eggs with 4 being the average number per brood. The number of eggs laid depends on various factors like the age, experience and health of the female.

What Do Blackbird Eggs Look Like?

Blackbird eggs are oval in shape, pale greenish-blue in colour with pale reddish-brown spots. Each egg is around 29 x 21 mm in size and weighs around 7.2 grams.

How Long Do Blackbird Eggs Take To Hatch?

The eggs typically hatch after an incubation period of around 12 to 14 days. The female incubates the eggs on her own while the male stands guard over the nest and territory and feeds the female.

Chicks

Once the incubation period ends, we move on to the next stage in the life cycle of the Blackbird, the chick rearing stage.

How Many Chicks Does A Blackbird Have?

The number of chicks per brood should correspond with the number of eggs laid. However, Blackbirds have a poor record in egg to chick survival rates. It is estimated that they have a mortality rate of between 60 to 90%!

This means that from a clutch of 4 to 5 eggs, the pair may raise 1 or 2 chicks.

When Do Blackbird Chicks Open Their Eyes?

The chicks are blind, naked and helpless when they first hatch. These altricial chicks typically open their eyes around 4 or 5 days after hatching.

Once their eyes open, they begin to develop more awareness of their surroundings, although they still remain dependent on their parents for food and protection for a while until they are strong enough to leave the nest.

When Do Blackbird Chicks Fledge?

Blackbird chicks typically develop pretty rapidly and are ready to leave the nest and take their first flight (fledge) when they are around 10 to 19 days old.

Some develop faster than others and can often fly at around day 9, while others take longer.

SEE ALSO: Common Raven Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions