The National Bird of Sweden: The Common Blackbird

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Sweden, a country known for its beautiful nature and rich wildlife, has chosen the Common Blackbird as its national bird. This bird is well-loved by many Swedes and plays an important role in the country’s culture and environment.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Common Blackbird. We will talk about what it looks like, where it lives, its habits, and why it is so special to Sweden and its people.

What Is the Common Blackbird?

The Common Blackbird, scientifically named Turdus merula, is a small to medium-sized bird and one of the most widespread songbirds in Europe. It belongs to the thrush family, which includes other familiar birds such as the song thrush and the fieldfare.

Characteristic	Description
Scientific Name	Turdus merula
Common Name	Common Blackbird (Eurasian Blackbird)
Size	9.4-11.4 inches (24-29 cm) body length
Wingspan	13.3-15 inches (34-38.5 cm)
Weight	2.4-5.2 ounces (70-150 grams), average around 3.5 ounces (100 grams)
Lifespan	2-4 years
Male Appearance	Glossy black feathers, bright yellow or orange-yellow bill, yellow eye-ring, blackish-brown legs
Female Appearance	Dark brown feathers with lighter, sometimes streaked or spotted throat and belly; brown bill and legs
Diet	Omnivorous: insects, earthworms, spiders, berries, fruits (wild and cultivated), seeds
Habitat	Forests, parks, gardens, urban areas across Europe, North Africa, Asia
Behavior	Territorial, diurnal, mostly solitary except during breeding, males sing at dawn, pairs usually monogamous
Breeding	Nest in low vegetation, 3-5 eggs per clutch, incubation 12-14 days, chicks leave nest at 13-14 days

Appearance of the Common Blackbird

The male Common Blackbird is mostly black with bright yellow or orange-yellow eye rings and beak. Females and young birds look different. They have brown feathers with spots, which help them stay hidden while nesting. This difference in looks is called sexual dimorphism. It helps the birds in nature, as the females blend in better to protect their eggs and young.

Where Does the Common Blackbird Live?

Common Blackbirds live in many types of places. They are often found in forests, parks, gardens, and even cities. They like areas with trees and bushes because these provide food and shelter. Sweden’s many forests and green spaces offer perfect homes for these birds.

The Song of the Common Blackbird

One of the best-known things about the Common Blackbird is its song. The bird sings a rich, clear, and melodious tune. Many people in Sweden enjoy listening to blackbirds sing, especially in the early morning and late evening during spring and summer. The blackbird’s song sometimes sounds like whistles or flutes and can be quite long.

Why Do Blackbirds Sing?

Birds sing for many reasons. The Common Blackbird sings to mark its territory and to attract a mate. When a male bird sings, it tells other males to stay away. It also shows female birds that he is healthy and strong.

The Diet and Feeding Habits of the Common Blackbird

Common Blackbirds are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and small animals. Their diet includes worms, insects, berries, and fruits. Blackbirds usually forage on the ground, looking for worms or insects in the soil. In winter, when food is harder to find, they eat more berries and fruits.

How Do Blackbirds Find Food?

A blackbird uses its sharp eyesight to spot small insects or worms. It often hops on the ground or on tree branches to reach food. This bird has strong legs and feet that help it move quickly while looking for things to eat.

The Breeding and Nesting of Common Blackbirds

Common Blackbirds usually breed in the spring and early summer. The female builds a neat, cup-shaped nest using grass, leaves, moss, and mud. She places the nest in a tree or a bush, often hidden to protect from predators.

Raising the Young

The female lays between three and five eggs, which are light blue or greenish with small brown spots. She keeps the eggs warm until they hatch, a process called incubation. Both parents care for the chicks by feeding them insects and other small foods until they can fly and find food on their own.

Why Is the Common Blackbird the National Bird of Sweden?

Sweden chose the Common Blackbird as its national bird because it is common in the country and loved by many people. The blackbird is a symbol of the arrival of spring and warmer weather, which is very important in Sweden due to its long, cold winters. The bird’s beautiful song represents joy, hope, and nature’s renewal.

The Blackbird in Swedish Culture

The blackbird appears in Swedish poetry, songs, and stories. It reminds people of the beauty and calmness of Swedish nature. For many, hearing the first blackbird of spring is a sign that better days are coming after the dark winter months.

The Role of the Common Blackbird in the Environment

The Common Blackbird plays an important role in its ecosystem. By eating insects, it helps control pests that can damage plants. Eating fruits and berries helps the birds spread seeds, which supports new plant growth. This cycle is important for maintaining healthy forests and green spaces.

Conservation Status

Currently, the Common Blackbird is not endangered and is considered a species of least concern by conservation groups. However, like all wildlife, it benefits from efforts to protect natural habitats and reduce pollution.

Interesting Facts About the Common Blackbird

The Common Blackbirds can mimic sounds from their environment, though not as skillfully as parrots.
It often uses the same nesting area year after year.
The male sings most actively in the early morning and late evening.
Its song is thought to be one of the richest among European birds.

How to Spot a Common Blackbird in Sweden

If you want to see a Common Blackbird, visit a park, garden, or forest in Sweden during spring or summer. Look and listen for a small bird with black feathers and yellow beak for males, or brown feathers for females. Early morning is the best time to hear their beautiful song.

Conclusion

The Common Blackbird is more than just a bird in Sweden. It is a cultural icon, a symbol of nature’s beauty, and a daily reminder of the close bond between people and wildlife. Its song brings comfort, its presence brings joy, and its role as Sweden’s national bird reflects the values of simplicity, resilience, and appreciation for the natural world.

By choosing the blackbird, Sweden celebrates a bird that is not rare or exotic but one that lives side by side with its people. This makes it a truly fitting national symbol.