The male has a beautiful black plumage with a yellow bill and eye-ring, while the female is more subdued in brown tones. They were introduced by the European settlers for sentimental reasons as they made them feel at home, although not a native, they are still a well-loved part of daily life in New Zealand.

It’s a territorial bird that will defend its territory along invisible boundaries.  The boundary corners tend to be set up between high perches where the male will sit to sing out to let others know not to come near.  They also use these high positions to sing their beautiful tuneful song to attract a mate and will happily sing loud and clear.

They can become quite friendly and as they live for up to 20 years in the same location they can get quite used to their human kohabitors comings and goings and may get quite close, and even have a regular daily routine to visit and see what you’re up to.

Blackbirds have a unique hearing. Their two ears are connected to just one hearing organ which is centrally located in its head, this means that they have 360-degree hearing.  The reason they often cock their heads to one side to get a better idea of the location of the source of a sound.

Blackbirds are happy using a nesting box and will return to the same location year after year to start new broods.  If you put up a Kohab Open Birdhouse and get blackbirds moving in you will be supporting generation after generation of birds, and reaping the benefit of all their wonderful singing.

What do Blackbirds eat?

Blackbirds eat a range of foods but spend much of their time searching out their favourite treat, earthworms.  They hop about on lawns with their head cocked sensing the movement of worms and grubs below the surface.   And they forage in leaf litter looking for insects and spiders and very happily munch on caterpillars too.

An extra energy boost from additional food put out on a bird table or in a safe ground location will help Blackbirds thrive. 
Kohab Wild Bird Seed suits them just right.

Also, support the natural insect population by planting insect-friendly plants and letting leaf litter accumulate.

Blackbirds will love: