What bird is this? (probably everyone else knows!)

[Andrewpjdh]

Can any one tell me what bird species is this one of a bedraggled pair? They looked larger than black birds, I thought, and with distinctly reddish brown breasts than brown. They had a vaguely fledgling look but it may have been the constant preening and apparent effort to sort out wet feathers. I have just joined this site to find out what i can. Any comments much appreciated.

[shenk1]

Its a female Blackbird (or possibly a juvenile - look similar)

Welcome to WAB

[Andrewpjdh]

Thanks for the suggestion. All the pics I've seen of female balckbirds don't show this reddish colour in the breast with very dark brown almost black tail/wings or this size - about 20% bigger - but may be I'm looking in the wrong sites.

[shenk1]

Colouring of females can be quite variable, some are practically speckled.

Size wise its hard to judge an exact size at distance and even books put different sizes for the same bird

[Farplace]

Agreed. Its a female blackbird (or pos juvenile).

[faz]

blurred pic but yes a blackbird welcome to WAB

[Andrewpjdh]

Thanks for replies. Well I feel a bit if a t(w)it but now realise what a beautiful bird can a blackbird be. Cheers

[shenk1]

We have them practically asking for food from us everyday and they still look different at this time of year - moulting ,young etc

Always good to ask to be sure

Soak some currants in water and give them to them,they love em

[Dogghound]

Its a juvenile blackbird (looks like a male).