Out walking our dog in our local village today and had a Cock Blackbird alight in a Lilac bush just in front of me, weirdly it had a shiny jet black bill and glossy feathers not matt, with no eye ring either and it’s breast was quite speckled with fine golden spots.
It was only 8 feet away and definitely a Cock blackie, but never seen one with a Black bill and glossy plumage?
Probably a young winter migrant from Europe fleeing colder weather. Continental birds don't get the orange beak until they are a bit older than UK residents.
I heard it takes two Summers, for their bills to colour Amber, but it's plumage tone was nearer to a Starling , bill appeared finer and longer than our residents too.
Well as you know they are fairly variable. I've seen male blackbirds with speckled breasts too, especially if you get a close up with the right light. Not seen a black beaked one though....
Nice spot.
We’re near the East Yorkshire coast, so can see a lot of migrants, had over 40 blackies in the garden at once last January. If it comes proper cold, we see a lot of wax wings and Snow Buntings.
I did a quick 'Google' & found a couple of images of juvenile male Blackbirds.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Fly Fishing Forum
2.9M posts
76.8K members
Since 2006
A forum community dedicated to fly fishing and sporting enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about safety, licenses, tips, tricks, rivers, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!