Juvenile Blackbird? (1 Viewer)

[PaulCountyDurham]

May has been a complete washout so was out just taking the opportunity to see what the new camera was like with a higher ISO under grey skies. Spotted a bird in a tree which from a distance looked everything like a blackbird. A bit closer, through the lens, looked a bit odd to me; not your usual blackbird. The tail looks short for a start. I have other pictures of this bird and depending on the picture I'm thinking more like a song thrush or more like a blackbird. From what I can gather, looking around the internet, young song thrushes display the tell tale breast, so surely this bird is not a song thrush. But, he or she behaved more like a song thrush with that sort of frantic look around but when he or she spots you he/she doesn't budge. Juvenile blackbird, an unusual female blackbird or some sort of blackbird/song thrush hybrid?

 

[LaplandBunting]

It's a juvenile Starling.

 

[KC Foggin]

Yes, a juvie Starling!

 

[PaulCountyDurham]

It's a juvenile Starling.

Cheers Shore Lark. I have this picture as well, and I'm pretty sure it's the same bird as I had a look 'round the back and the exact same pattern. I'm guessing you know what's what to confidently state that and thanks because it's an eye opener to see how much they look like thrushes when younger.

 

[PaulCountyDurham]

Yes, a juvie Starling!

Thanks KC.

 

[stevethehydra]

Yes, Starling. Note short tail and long bill that is more in line with the slope of the forehead than on a thrush (slightly more reminiscent of something like a heron or a woodpecker...)

 

[PaulCountyDurham]

Yes, Starling. Note short tail and long bill that is more in line with the slope of the forehead than on a thrush (slightly more reminiscent of something like a heron or a woodpecker...)

Thanks Steve.

 

[Butty]

or some sort of blackbird/song thrush hybrid?

Tip: Whenever you can't decide between two species in an ID, it will be because either a) you don't know enough, or b) you didn't get a good enough view; it won't be because the bird is a hybrid between the two options.