Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Moulting juvenile - Lothian, Scotland - October 2004

The Blackbird is one of Britain's most familiar and commonest birds with a breeding population of 4.7 million pairs.

Adult female - Devon, England - February 2004

In the winter this population is augmented by migrants from northern Europe and this influx boosts the British population to as high as 15 million birds.

Muriwai, New Zealand - November 2005

As with many European songbirds, Blackbirds were introduced into New Zealand in the latter half of the 19th century. Between 1862-1875, about 1000 birds were released on the islands by the Acclimatisation Societies to help the settlers feel more at home in their new surroundings. By the early 20th century, they had spread throughout both main islands and had colonised the Chatham and Aukland Island groups. Today, it is one of New Zealand's most common birds.