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When do male blackbirds turn black (1 Viewer)

Ck4682

Member
Hello
In Spring we rescued a fledgling blackbird (Pip)and some weeks later successfully released it. We have 4 or 5 blackbirds regularly visiting and for some time Pip continued to take cat food from my hand. We're now stuggling to recognise him/her and I wanted to know when a male blackbird starts to look black and it's beak changes colour. Pip was brown and speckled but not sure if all fledglings are and then turn black? Thanks for any information.
 
Hi CK and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

Male Blackbirds start developing their adult plumage during the summer, it's a gradual process, with the male first showing black on their wings. I can't go any further than this, myself, as I don't see them in the garden after this; they all seem to disappear to the wider countryside to forage on the autumn harvests for fruit and berries. The yellow bill is only evident in the adult breeding male.

I'll move your post to the Information Wanted forum where more people with the knowledge will see your question. I've therefore subscribed you to this thread so you'll be able to find it easily. You will get an email notification of any replies but can unsubscribe very easily.
 
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