Bird Fact Sheets

Common Blackbird (Turdus merula)

Family

Thrushes

Distribution

The common blackbird is found almost everywhere in Europe, while in North Africa and Asia, it is present in more isolated areas. In Central Europe, blackbirds are mostly resident or partial migratory birds, but further north, they increasingly become migratory birds. Originally a forest-dweller, the blackbird can now be found throughout Central Europe.

Appearance

The male blackbird, also known as the Eurasian blackbird, has an entirely black plumage, with a yellow beak and yellow eye rings. The female is dark brown on the upper side and speckled brown on the underside.

Diet

Blackbirds typically search for food by hopping along the ground, primarily feeding on earthworms and small insects. In autumn and winter, they also consume berries and soft fruits more frequently.

Special Features

Male blackbirds often begin singing to establish their territory as early as late winter. They sing from high vantage points, such as treetops or tall antennas. If they need to defend their territory despite their song, they engage in fierce battles, which can sometimes result in injury or death.

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Sources

  • Puchta, A. Richarz, K. (2006) Steinbach's Big Bird Guide. Ulmer (German).
  • Blackbird - Wikipedia (German) (21.07.2021)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

Distribution

House sparrows have spread almost worldwide since the 19th century. In order to breed, they require year-round food supplies such as seeds and grains. Sparrows can be found in agricultural villages, as well as in large urban centers with parks and suburbs.

Appearance

This small songbird appears stocky with a large head and strong beak. The plumage differs between males and females. Males have a grey-black chest and a brown-black striped back. Females have duller colors and fine markings, lacking the black chest coloration.

Voice

The typical “chirp” of the house sparrow is well-known, heard from hedges or in urban areas. This chirping only changes when the bird is agitated, becoming a wild chatter. The song of the house sparrow is only performed by males, with each individual having a slightly different arrangement of song elements.

Special Features

Adult house sparrows primarily feed on seeds, but when raising young, they feed them almost exclusively caterpillars and crushed insects. If there is insufficient animal food available for the young, they may suffer from digestive problems.

Sources

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

Family

Sylviidae (Warblers)

Distribution

The blackcap is native throughout Europe. It is a short- to medium-distance migrant, meaning it overwinters in southern Europe or North Africa.

Appearance

The blackcap is 13 to 15 cm in size. It is grey with a black cap that extends to the eyes. Females and juveniles have a reddish-brown cap.

Voice

The call of the blackcap is often described as hurried chirping that ends with clear, flute-like tones, although some may perceive it as more jumbled.

Special Features

The male blackcap builds several trial nests in dense bushes, from which the female selects one and finishes it. The rim of the nest is often woven with spider webs.

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Sources

Swallow or 'Barn Swallow' (Hirundo rustica)

Family

Swallows

Distribution

Swallows are migratory birds that breed from April to September or early October in Europe, North Africa, North America, and temperate regions of Asia. European swallows spend the winter in Central and Southern Africa.

Appearance

These small birds are about the size of a sparrow but more slender. They have a long, deeply forked tail. The throat is chestnut red, and the back is a glossy metallic blue. The belly is creamy white.

Behavior

The swallow is a classic synanthropic or 'human-associated' species. It builds its mud nests on vertical surfaces, often inside buildings like houses, restaurants, or stables, showing a strong attachment to humans.

Special Features

After the breeding season, swallows gather by the thousands to sleep in large reed fields to prepare for their migration to wintering grounds.

Threats

Both the modernization of agriculture and high losses in their African wintering grounds have negatively impacted swallow populations. In Africa, the birds are sometimes caught and eaten.


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Sources

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

Family

Falcons

Distribution

Falkenartige Vorkommen: Der Turmfalke ist sowohl in Europa, Asien als auch in Afrika heimisch. Allerdings ist er eher im Flachland anzutreffen.

Appearance

Turmfalken haben einen ausgeprägten Geschlechtsdimorphismus, der sich hauptsächlich in der Kopffärbung äußert. Bei den männlichen Vertretern ist der Kopf grau, die Weibchen sind durchgehend rotbraun gefärbt. Die Federfärbung der Turmfalken ist ansonsten rotbraun mit schwarzen Flecken. Auch die Fleckenform unterscheidet sich bei Männchen und Weibchen.

Nesting Sites

Turmfalken sind Felsbrüter, die bevorzugt in Mauerspalten oder -höhlen brüten. In der Stadt brüten die Falken gerne in alten Kirchtürmen oder Hochhäusern, weshalb der Turmfalke auch seinen Namen trägt.

Besonderes

Zur Beutejagd benutzt der Turmfalke einen sehr auffälligen Flug, bei dem er auf 10-20 Meter Flughöhe “stehen” bleibt. Dies schafft er, in dem er in der Luft schnell mit den Flügeln schlägt. Da dies aussieht wie ein Rütteln wird er umgangssprachlich auch Rüttelfalke genannt. Hat er dann ein potentielles Beutetier erspäht, fliegt er im Sturzflug auf die Beute zu um dann kurz vor dem Boden abzubremsen.

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