What they like

Messy edges. Shrubs to shelter in. Wet ground to probe. Plant holly, hawthorn, privet and a few elder or rowan bushes. Then there's cover and food. Leave leaves under the hedge in late autumn. There are earthworms, slugs and insect larvae: blackbird fast food. In parks and yards: make a dense shrub patch, don't hoe everywhere. In agricultural areas: keep herb-rich verges and ditch edges wide and partly unmown. A messy corner works wonders.

Ecological importance

Mostly eats earthworms, insects and berries. Cleans up many soil critters and helps spread seeds via its droppings. Is itself taken by sparrowhawk, goshawk and sometimes cat. More shelter = better survival.

When in the Netherlands

All year round. In winter extra blackbirds from the north sometimes join.

Status

Common. Still sensitive to dry summers and an overly tidy habitat.