Identifying The Common Blackbird In Australia: Characteristics, Habitat, And Comparison With Native Thrushes
The Common Blackbird is one of two introduced 'true thrushes' in Australia; the other is the Song Thrush, <i>T. philomelos</i>. The indigenous thrushes are the Bassian, <i>Zoothera lunulata</i>, and the Russet-tailed Thrush, <i>Z. heinei</i>.
Identification
The Common Blackbird was introduced to Australia at Melbourne in the 1850s. The male is the 'black' bird, with deep orange to yellow bill, a narrow yellow eye-ring and dark legs. The female is a brown bird, with some streaks or mottling, and has a dark bill and legs. Immature birds are similar to the female with lighter underparts.
Habitat
The Common Blackbird is most often found in urban areas and surrounding localities, but has successfully moved into bushland habitats. It is often seen in orchards, vineyards and gardens, as well as along roadsides and in parks
