Common Blackbird Turdus merula cabrerae Hartert, 1901

Description
The Blackbird of Madeira and Porto Santo differs from its congener on the mainland. It is darker and smaller, and it is, therefore, an endemic subspecies of Macaronesia, being found also in the Canaries. There is a great sexual dimorphism in the species. The male is of a uniformly black colour, with a yellow beak and eye ring. The body of the female is also dark, but more brownish, with small, lighter-coloured specks on the breast. The eyes and beak are dark.

Distribution
This is a very common bird throughout the whole of the island of Madeira, but there are not very many individuals on Porto Santo.

Habitat
The habitat of the Blackbird ranges from forest to urban areas, and includes farm lands, gardens and high-altitude vegetation. The only type of habitat where this species does not occur is in areas of no vegetation.

Breeding
The Blackbird generally builds its nest in trees, in the fork of the branches, using mud for the base and twigs for the structure. Eggs are generally laid between March and August, but the season varies with the altitude, as breeding occurs later at the higher altitudes. Eggs are varied in their colouration, 3 to 5 being laid at a time. The female is solely responsible for the incubation of the eggs, which lasts about 15 days. After the young have hatched, they are fed by both parents for about 20 days.

Madeiran name: Melro Preto
Madeira e Porto Santo Islands resident breeder
Social: Family groups
Length: 17 – 20 cm
Status: Secure