Native to: The common blackbird was introduced to Australia in the 1850s in Melbourne. Though most blackbirds are sedentary in Australia, they have gradually expanded their range throughout south-eastern Australia, including Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. They can make long-distance movements; a few have even reached subantarctic islands.
What does it look like: The male is a ‘black’ bird with an orange-yellow bill, a yellow eye-ring, and dark legs. Female Blackbirds are brown birds with some streaks or mottling, a dark bill, and dark legs.
Habitat and Diet: The Common Blackbird is often found in suburban areas and has also moved into woodland habitats. It eats insects, earthworms, snails, spiders, seeds, and fruit. Blackbirds mainly forage on the ground by scratching and sorting through leaves, lawns, and soil.
STEM Fun Fact: The Common Blackbird can be a pest in orchards, parks and gardens, being rather destructive of ground vegetation, particularly of backyard vegetable patches.
