James Clements
New member
This blackbird has been moulting from brown plumage to black during the last month, suggesting he was born this year (there is a pair of blackbirds who have had three clutches in our garden in Hertfordshire, UK between April and July this year). However, his beak is bright yellow, and all the bird books state that the beaks of the males turn from brown to yellow between November and March of their first year. Could it be that this bird was born in 2019 and kept brown plumage for its first year (I've read that sometimes happens). Any advice much appreciated. The three photos show the gradual change from brown to black plumage. Many thanks