Strange behaviour of blackbirds (1 Viewer)

[Susiesue]

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to this forum so please bear with me if I get stuff wrong.

I have a burning question regarding blackbirds.

We regularly have two male blackbirds in our garden who take to chasing each other round. They never fight or make contact, but as soon as they are near each other they both turn around and the chaser becomes the chased (if that makes sense). It happens any time of the year and can go on most of the day. Anyone any idea if this is unusual and what it means? I'd be very grateful for any responses.
Thank you

 

[delia todd]

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

It strikes me as territorial battles, however, I've moved your post to the Bird Behaviour forum, as I'm sure there may be other ideas.

So I've subscribed you to the thread, in this way you will be advised of any replies and can easily find your way to the thread.

Meantime, I hope you enjoy your time here with us.

 

[Sancho]

Hi Susiesue, they're just having a scrap over territory and resources. Boys will be boys. The blackbirds in our area have just started singing, so it's 'declare your patch' time. Mistle Thrushes started about two weeks ago, and Song Thrushes shortly afterwards. You'll notice that Robins are even worse...you only ever see one singing, alone. If you see two together, it's a couple, and only in the breeding season. The rest of the time, they can't stand the sight of each other!

 

[Susiesue]

Hi Sancho,

Many thanks for your help with this. It was driving me nuts watching them each year and not knowing what was going on. You'd think that they would actually come to blows and not just dance around each other - fascinating. By the way it's always exactly the same area. As far as Robins are concerned I don't think I've ever seen more than one at a time

 

[Steeleyenz]

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to this forum so please bear with me if I get stuff wrong.

I have a burning question regarding blackbirds.

We regularly have two male blackbirds in our garden who take to chasing each other round. They never fight or make contact, but as soon as they are near each other they both turn around and the chaser becomes the chased (if that makes sense). It happens any time of the year and can go on most of the day. Anyone any idea if this is unusual and what it means? I'd be very grateful for any responses.
Thank you

Hi! Interested in your comments. I live in New Zealand where blackbirds have been introduced. Currently there are two females visiting our garden that we have named Thelma and Louise. They both display the behaviour you have written about. No animosity is evident. One of the birds will pick up a leaf and appears to ’show’ it to the other bird, then drops it and the dance continues. This has been going on for two weeks and lasts all day.

 

[KC Foggin]

Good to see you back with us Susie Enjoy!

 

[delia todd]

LOL Who says birds don't 'play'?

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

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I look forward to hearing your news.