Eurasian Blackbird

(Turdus merula)

Category of conservation concern (IUCN, 2020) – Least Concern

Population size: 1 000 000 – 3 000 000 pairs

Density pattern

Uneven, the highest density (more than 1000 pairs/sq.) is in the low and middle parts of the mountains. The lowest (less than 10 pairs/sq. or 10 pairs/ q.) is mainly in the plains, predominantly in agricultural lands and landscapes with tree and shrub vegetation.

Comparative distribution of the species compared to the first breeding birds atlas (Iankov, 2007): Breeding locality until 2007 | Breeding locality until 2007, confirmed after 2015 – | New breeding locality after 2015. – The breeding localities after 2015 are identified on a base of raw data from smartbirds.org.

Habitats

Breeds in various habitats, especially in wet ravines on slopes overgrown with dense heath and scrub, not avoiding sclerophyllous scrub. Numerous in broad-leaved deciduous forests in valleys and lowlands with developed undergrowth, in alluvial and riverine forests and brush, mixed forests. Builds its nests, though less frequently, in coniferous forests, orchards, and tree and shrub plantations, strips of trees, shrubs and patches of them. It is common for the species to breed in towns, villages and industrial areas, especially in public parks and gardens.

Trends in population changes for the period 2013-2020

Not analysed

Threats

Not analysed