Seen any Scandinavian Blackbirds? (1 Viewer)

Euan Buchan

The Edinburgh Birdwatcher

Supporter

• Dec 19, 2017

• #1

I have had lots in my garden recently I think Thursday was full of them with a Song Thrush as well which was a nice surprise.

 

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Dec 19, 2017

• #2

Only way to tell they are Scandinavian, is if they have Scandinavian rings on

If you catch them for ringing, then some Scandinavian (and also some Russian) Blackbirds have longer wings than UK resident Blackbirds, but only a small proportion can be distinguished this way by careful measurement, most can't.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• Dec 19, 2017

• #3

Nutcracker said:

Only way to tell they are Scandinavian, is if they have Scandinavian rings on

If you catch them for ringing, then some Scandinavian (and also some Russian) Blackbirds have longer wings than UK resident Blackbirds, but only a small proportion can be distinguished this way by careful measurement, most can't.

Click to expand...

I did wonder when I saw the OP



A

 

MTem

Well-known member

• Dec 19, 2017

• #4

This has got to be one of the most resilient birding 'urban myths'

 

kb57

Well-known member

• Dec 20, 2017

• #5

Isn't it partially true for 1st-winter males? I seem to recall reading something that suggested they retained darker beaks for longer, but has this been completely debunked now?

Without measuring wing length, I'm sure the flocks of tame / knackered-looking blackbirds I saw on the Northumberland coast last autumn, with associated redwings, were in all probability Scandinavian!

 

MTem

Well-known member

• Dec 20, 2017

• #6

Yes it's true of its winter males (having dark bills and brownish retained juv flight feathers), but not that because of these features they're from the Continent. As you say you need ringing info or in the hand measurements for that.

Mick