Turdus merula
The Common Blackbird is one of the most appreciated songbirds in Europe, celebrated for its melodic fluting that resounds at dusk and dawn. Although originally a forest bird, it has adapted perfectly to Delta settlements. In the riverside groves along the Danube, the blackbird is a discreet presence by day but impossible to ignore when it begins to sing.
The male is completely black, with a bright orange-yellow bill and a yellow ring around the eye. The female and juveniles are dark brown with slightly spotted (mottled) breast, giving them better camouflage in foliage. It has strong legs adapted for hopping on the ground.
It occupies any area with trees and shrubs. In the Delta it is present in sandbar forests, village gardens and dense vegetation along canals. It is a resident bird, remaining in the Delta throughout winter.
It is often seen rummaging through dead leaves on the ground for earthworms and insects. In autumn and winter it feeds heavily on fruit (rose hips, elderberries, grapes). When alarmed, it flies off abruptly with a rapid metallic call: "tack-tack-tack".
It builds a solid cup-shaped nest from grass mixed with soil. It usually places it at low height in dense shrubs or on tree branches. It frequently raises two broods per year. It is very territorial and vigorously defends its nest against crows or cats.
Classified as "Least Concern". It is a very thriving species. In the Danube Delta, the abundance of food and shelter along canals make the blackbird population extremely healthy.