Why do our blackbirds make such a fuss just before dark?

[werdnal]

We are lucky to have loads of blackbirds around us, but cannot understand why they make such noise just before dark every night. We used to think there might be a predator around (we have cats), but even when they are in, and I have been out to have a look and can find no sign of anything else, the blackbirds shout and flit about in the hedges until dark. I always think its a bit strange as it gives away their roosting spot.

Why do they do it?

[SuzieandFlo]

Its starlings who make the most noise here. Same time , just before dusk. They all get settled in a neighbour's hedge then make a racket for about half an hour before going quiet. They always fly around in formation just before that.

[SusieBee]

I've found this with our blackbird too but most times it's turned out to be the cats. They seem to take advantage of those last few feeding hours before dark. And what with them being mainly ground feeders as well it makes them easy prey. Though saying that the bb visitors to my garden have taken to the tables as much, clever birds!
But I'm new to this so there could be another explanation? I've just noticed here that they give out a good alarm call when the cat's are about.

[Billy Wobble Dagger]

I was always told it was an alarm system and that it would indicate that there was a predator near by.

BWD

[Dogghound]

Its likely that with less light and less visibility they are abit more nervous of potential predators so are on edge. Alot of mammalian predators will hunt as it gets dark as well as raptors.

[Adam Cheeseman]

It's a normal common feature that Blackbirds do the predator alert 'fuss' as part of their pre roost routine. Don't know why they do it though. As you say it gives away their roost site.

Cheers,

Adam

[Picidae]

While cats might often be the problem, it's generally thought that the 'alarming' prior to roost is simply a territorial indication to other male Blackbirds in the area that 'this roost is now taken for the night'. While they may share a garden to feed in, that 'courtesy' doesn't seem to extend to the tree they want to roost in!

[SheffieldLass]

Yes I agree with Picidae that it is part of their territorial behaviour. Although the females are pretty vocal too, it is not just male blackie behaviour. They also do a great deal of sneaking into each others territory at that time too, so maybe they are doing a nightly check-up on fitness of their rivals, and/or the food potential of their rivals territories, under the cover of almost darkness.

Out in the countryside before Christmas there were blackbirds doing their roost time chorus, a fieldfare chuckling, some redwings 'seou'ing and a mistle thrush rattling, all from different bushes in very close proximity. All saying goodnight to each other .... maybe