Blackbird parents feeding chicks, whats the normal rule ?

[Steve_In_Cheshire]

Over the last couple of weeks ive been watching our resident blackbirds where we have a couple of females and approx 4 males, at least 2 of the males have been collecting food and flying off as if they are collecting food for chicks. Its amazing how much they fit in their beaks, i watched one male and he must have had at least 3 large worms and 2 sultanas in his beak, another male flew off with a piece of cheese, a sultana and at least 2 worms.

Now what ive noticed as well is we have 2 females in the garden that are doing exactly the same thing, do blackbird parents take it in turns to watch the chicks while the other one goes off to collect food ?

[Pam_M]

I have yet to see any signs of birds feeding chicks in my garden! I did see a female Blackbird with her beak stuffed with worms last weekend at a reserve! Amazing as you say what they can fit in their beaks! I would imagine that both parents would be out searching for food for their chicks, with hungry chicks I would think it would be all hands on deck, or in the soil after tasty morsels!

[Elizabeth B]

According to my Collins guide to nests, eggs and nestlings, the young are tended by both parents for 12-19 days in the nest, then by both parents for about 3 weeks after leaving the nest. I would guess that in the early days the male will do most of the feeding then the female can keep the chicks warm - this is what happens with blue and great tits.