Blackbird in a blossom tree by Bianca Wisseloo

A drawing made in Procreate of a male blackbird sitting on a flowering blossom branch. The bird sits in an interesting position with its tail and head up. Its body forms a nice italic line. The branch is perpendicular to it and has side branches with pink blossom and green leaves. The background is a soft with white hue and is somewhat cloudy. The light background colour makes the dark bird stand out nicely. The blackbird looks at you with a friendly eye. The blackbird (Turdus merula) is a medium-sized songbird in the family thrushes (Turdidae). The male is predominantly black and has a yellow eye ring and beak. During the breeding season, its melodious song can be heard morning and evening across most of Europe. The male has a distinctive yellow bill and eye ring. Blackbirds are omnivores and feed on worms, insects, snails, berries, bread, seeds, litter and various types of bird food, among other things. They have a territory that is fiercely defended by the male against conspecifics and also against smaller birds. The blackbird is an exuberant singer and often sings from a high point, such as a treetop or eaves. The male sings from February onwards, especially in the morning and evening. The song is a full, pleasant, melancholic musical song with many variations, often ending in soft, scratching sounds. Blackbirds, like starlings, are good imitators. There are blackbirds that adopt the ringtone of a telephone.