The blackbird is one of our most familiar garden birds, and one of the most vocal. It can be heard singing at all times of day but particularly in the early morning and evening. They can be found across the UK all year round.
Ring ouzels are breeding visitors that arrive in March and leave in October. They are a much rarer bird found in upland areas and the coast.
Male blackbird
Yellow eye-ring
1 of 3Large, bright yellow bill
2 of 3Black plumage overall
3 of 3Male blackbirds are black all over with a bright yellow bill and eye-ring. They have one of the most lyrical bird songs, which is delivered in short phrases a few seconds long with well-defined pauses in between each phrase. The song is mellow and relaxed with long notes and a wide register.
Ring ouzel
Distinctive white chest patch
1 of 3Silvery wings
2 of 3Smaller, duller bill
3 of 3Ring ouzels are black with a distinctive, crescent shaped patch on their chest. They have light grey tips to their wings which give it a silvery effect, particularly when in flight.
The ring ouzel’s song is much less musical. It is a series of repeated melancholy phrases interspersed with higher pitched sounds.
Leucistic blackbird
Confusion can occur if you happen to see a leucistic blackbird. These birds have white patches on their bodies and it’s estimated that about 40% of blackbirds show this abnormality. This means they can sometimes be mistaken for ring ouzels, particularly if the white is on their chest or wings.
In this case a close look at the eye-ring and bill should help you determine which species it is.
If you’re still unsure, listen out for the song which should leave you in no doubt.
