Table of contents
- breeding season
- breeding duration
- How often do blackbirds breed?
- nest building
- hatched offspring
- feeding the young
- Nestlings fledge
- Blackbirds after rearing
- frequently asked Questions
blackbirds (Turdus merula) are not threatened with extinction, but not only bird lovers should be informed about their breeding season and details in order to be able to recognize them and behave correctly.
breeding season
The breeding season of blackbirds usually extends from February to July. Depending on weather conditions and the environment, it can take place as early as February and, under certain circumstances, can be delayed until August. Blackbirds often start breeding earlier in milder regions. This does not mean, however, that their breeding season ends just as early.
breeding duration
The incubation period is around 14 days. While the female warms her eggs, the male defends his territory. It sings remarkably loudly and frequently. This is to warn other males not to get too close to the brooding female. Incubation ends when the young hatch.
How often do blackbirds breed?
As a rule, blackbirds only breed once or twice a year. They can breed up to a maximum of five times. However, this usually only occurs if one or more previous broods were not crowned with success. However, the number of broods also depends on the region and surroundings. In areas where there is a high potential for disturbance and danger for them and their brood, blackbirds usually nest less.
nest building
So that the nest is ready for the offspring to move into in time for the forthcoming brood, blackbirds start building the nest as soon as a partner has been found. This can be as early as late autumn, but this time is usually in early spring. The prerequisite is that the soil moisture is sufficiently good so that they can use wet earth to attach the nesting material.
The following information is also worth knowing:
- Used material: Leaves, blossoms, grass, small branches, feathers
- Feathers and grasses used for inner nest design
- Preferred nest sites: in trees, bushes, hedges, climbing plants; more rarely in plant pots and window boxes
- Nest building time: Depending on material availability two to three days
- nest builder: build males and females
- Blackbirds cannot be seen for one to three days after nest building
- Return to lay eggs again
Tip:
There are two ways you can help blackbirds build their nests, especially in city districts: if you spot a pair, keep quiet, avoid making noise, and keep your distance. In addition, you can provide them with the named nest materials they need, as well as moistened soil that should be readily accessible to them.
hatched offspring
From the moment they hatch, the young have to be fed and protected. Males and females go in search of food. They usually arrange foraging in such a way that one parent always stays close to the nest. Blackbirds behave slightly more aggressively during the breeding season when they sense potential threats in the area.
feeding the young
Females and males are equally responsible for feeding. When breeding early in the year, sudden and/or prolonged ground frost can become a problem if the blackbird parents have little or no access to food. Also you can just during the winter months or scatter food around the nest during breeding season.
The preferred food for the young includes the following:
- smaller, softer insects
- small or dismembered worms
- small berries or pieces of berries
A notice:
When blackbird parents can't get food because of frost in the ground and many insects can't get out of their woke up from hibernation or came out of the winter hiding place, you should feed them with the food mentioned above afford. But beware! Don't go too close to the nest and don't hand-feed the young, just leave the food readily visible in the vicinity.
Nestlings fledge
After blackbird females and males have fed and cared for their young for around 14 days, their plumage and ability to fly have developed to such an extent that they can now take care of themselves. They fledge and leave the nest. Sometimes a young bird lands hard on the ground, but after a few flying exercises they fly away quite safely.
Blackbirds after rearing
After the brood is before the brood. Due to the short reproduction period, blackbirds can be in the breeding season several times a year. When their offspring have fledged, the blackbird parents say goodbye to their young and “fly” their own way again. Males and females also separate in order to look for new partners for the remaining breeding season and to incubate eggs again.
frequently asked Questions
Blackbirds usually build a new nest for each brood. That assumes they can find the materials to do it. If this is not possible or only possible under difficult conditions, the blackbirds occasionally use nests that have already been built. They only fix them if necessary. This can often be observed in urban areas in particular, where suitable materials are scarce or are thrown away by people.
In total, it takes about 26 to 32 days from the time they lay their eggs until they leave the nest and go their own way. If the feeding conditions are poor, the duration can be pushed back by a few days.
Blackbirds are sexually mature in their second year of life. This means that this year's nestlings will breed for the first time next year. Normally, free-ranging blackbirds then breed for the following four to five years, which corresponds to their average life expectancy. Blackbirds kept in cages can live up to 20 years under optimal housing conditions and can breed for just as long.
In any case, action should only be taken in an absolute emergency. Orphaned nestlings are often "adopted" by other blackbirds when they hear desperate, incessant begging calls from them. If this is not the case, you can move the young animals to a safe place, or better yet, inform a recognized bird sanctuary or bird sanctuary. If they fall out, you should watch them for 3 to 4 hours and be sure that the parents do not come back. Only then should they act as described above.
Maike
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