Is it a female blackbird? (2 Viewers)

[jpscloud]

I have one to three large birds that look like female blackbirds ground feeding - they seem a bit fussy and don't stay long. I don't see more than one at a time feeding but I have seen others around at the same time.

They are brown, with a sort of lighter colour on the throat and breast. The reason I'm asking if they might be something other than blackbirds is that they have slightly larger/heavier beaks than I think blackbirds have, and they seem slightly bigger, but I could be imagining that.

Is there something that fits this description? I'm hopeless at taking pictures of birds so no pic at the moment.

 

[Jimthetall]

Sounds good for a female blackbird. They can be a lot more variable than the guidebooks make out. Manys the time my hopes of a 'rare' have been raised then dashed by these buggers!

Here's a link to a good photo of a bird matching your description:

http://birdingfrontiers.com/2010/12/02/record-snow-fall/blackie-upperthorpe-30-nov-10/

Jim

 

[rosbifs]

Females can vary massively and show some different shades of lighter brown.

I am assuming that you know what thrushes look like... If not have a quick look on Google Images.

 

[jpscloud]

Here's a link to a good photo of a bird matching your description:

http://birdingfrontiers.com/2010/12/02/record-snow-fall/blackie-upperthorpe-30-nov-10/

Jim

Thanks Jim yep I am sure they are female blackbirds now!

 

[jpscloud]

I am assuming that you know what thrushes look like... If not have a quick look on Google Images.

Thanks rosbifs, yes I have some thrushes visiting as well but haven't yet figured out whether they're mistle or song thrushes!

 

[Jimthetall]

See this thread:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=188108

Jim

 

[jpscloud]

I think I definitely have one song thrush visiting - brilliant! Thanks!

 

[Jimthetall]

Song thrush are smaller than a blackbird, mistle trush larger.