blackbird with a thrush looking head (1 Viewer)

[Derek Townsley]

Hi I joint the forum to find out about a bird that i seen yesterday afternoon

I was at Abyone golf club yesterday waiting for a friend in the carpark and a bird that looked like a cross between a blackbird and a thrush was was moving in and out of the undergrowth of a bush in front of me

I have lived in the countryside most of my life and have seen blackbirds with odd markings but never one like this

it has the black body of the blackbird but from the neck and its head it looks like a thrush with the light coloured speckles

Can this to birds breed or is it just a freak that nature throws up from time to time

If anyone is interested in seeming this bird, if they go to the Abyone golf club and park up near the club house facing to the north, the 18th tee, there is bushes and this is where this odd looking blackbird is

If someone knows about this or has seen it can you let me know what you think it is

Regards
Derek

 

[Andrew Rowlands]

Hi and Welcome to BF, Derek.

The bird you saw is most likely a young male Blackbird moulting into it's adult plumage; they do look quite striking at this time of year, though they're usually very difficult to see as they have been staying in deep cover during this vulnerable stage.

 

[Derek Townsley]

Thank you for replying, it was the first time that I have ever seen this odd looking young male, I have a very large garden and have lots of birds nesting and had never seen this before, you learn something new every day, tanks again for your reply

 

[delia todd]

Hi Derek and a warm welcome to you from all the Staff and Moderators.

Did he look something like this one? My garden is full of them at the moment, and it's so interesting watching how their plumage changes over the weeks.

Their wings and tail go black first, the head seems to be last to change.

 

[Derek Townsley]

The bird I seen had a very black body just like the average blackbird and a very light speckled head and neck it really was the most odd looking think, I never have seen this mix in a bird before and did not know that a young blackbird looked more like a thrush from the neck upwards, it was almost like someone had it in photoshop and mixed two pictures together, the picture that you posted is of a darker head

 

[kuzeycem]

Can it be a juvenile Ring Ouzel?

 

[Derek Townsley]

I don't know,,,, I wish I had a camera in my car a picture would have show just how light and speckled the birds head was,, Can blackbirds breed with thrush and has this ever been known to happen, If I go back golfing next friday I will take a camera with me just incase i see it again

 

[delia todd]

Here's another picture I took more recently than the last shot.

They've changed again since, but I've not pictures to show yet.

A Ring Ousel would have a pale patch on the chest, which isn't being described. Interbreeding with a thrush, whilst possible, is most unlikely.

What you're describing Derek, is just what I'm used to seeing in the crop of youngsters that visit my garden here.

They start of looking very brown, like a female, but speckly. Then their primary feathers and tail go black, followed by the back. The head and underparts are the last to go black. They do this so the adult male knows they are young and doesn't chase them away from his territory.

 

[stonechat1]

[...] I never have seen this mix in a bird before and did not know that a young blackbird looked more like a thrush from the neck upwards, [...]

You know that the Blackbird is a member of the thrush family?
Regards

 

[Derek Townsley]

yep this is more like it and probably what i seen, thanks for sending the pics and solving my curiosity