Common blackbird, male

The male is all black except for a yellow eye-ring and bill. This species breeds in woods and gardens, building a neat, mud-lined, cup-shaped nest. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, berries, and fruits. They spend much of their time looking for food on the ground where they can become infested with ticks.

They prefer deciduous trees with dense undergrowth and also live in gardens. Both sexes are territorial on the breeding grounds. The male defends its breeding territory, chasing away other males or using a "bow and run" threat display. This consists of a short run, the head first being raised and then bowed with the tail dipped simultaneously. If a fight between male Blackbirds occurs, it is usually short. Pairs will stay in their territory throughout the year where the climate is sufficiently temperate.