Do Blackbirds Migrate? (All You Need To Know)

blackbird (Black-billed turtle) is one of the most common birds in Britain. We see these birds in our gardens all year round, but do they migrate? Well, interestingly enough, blackbirds do migrate, and below, we’re looking at where these birds go when they decide to fly through the winter.

British blackbirds don’t usually migrate and stay Close to home year round. However, thrushes from northern Europe often migrate south and arrive in Britain throughout the winter.

So while our resident blackbirds may not fly very far in winter, their Scandinavian cousins ​​do migrate.

If you do notice fewer blackbirds in your winter garden, there is a reason for that. As we’ll see, blackbirds are curious creatures when it comes to migration.

So blackbirds from Scandinavian countries often join our resident blackbirds in the UK for warmth in winter. However, some blackbirds in the UK may also seek food farther from home during the winter. Most blackbirds don’t fly very far, in fact, only a few miles. Still, if you see fewer blackbirds in your garden over the winter, chances are they’ve looked elsewhere for food.

British blackbirds are usually non-migratory

Do blackbirds migrate from the UK?

Blackbirds from England are here all year round. And, as long as food supplies are plentiful in your area, you’ll see blackbirds in your garden year-round.

Blackbirds tend to stay close to their breeding grounds for most of their lives. However, if food sources in the area dry up, they may be forced to go out in search of food. However, the Blackbird will remain in the UK. They’ll just fly until they find a better food source, which may be just a few miles away.

When Do Blackbirds Migrate?

Blackbirds from northern Europe will start migrating to the UK in mid-autumn. However, if they have good food sources in their home country, they may not leave until late fall and early winter.

In fact, if the Nordic blackbird finds a really good food source en route to the UK, they may never reach our shores in winter. The reason blackbirds migrate is to find food.

So, once they find a good food source, they hunker down for the winter. The blackbirds will then return to their breeding grounds in early spring, ready to find a mate.

black bird perched

Where do blackbirds migrate to?

British blackbirds don’t fly very far. Typically, they remain in breeding grounds year-round unless food is depleted. If food is no longer available in their breeding grounds, they may travel miles along the road in search of food. However, blackbirds rarely fly further than this.

However, Nordic thrushes fly as far as the UK in winter. North American blackbirds can fly 800 miles south for the winter. Therefore, British blackbirds must travel the shortest distances to find food in winter.

Close-up portrait of a blackbird

How far do blackbirds migrate?

British blackbirds, if they do need to migrate, may travel about 50-100 miles from their breeding grounds, but this is extremely rare. More commonly, blackbirds will stay in their breeding grounds but may fly miles to find food.

However, the northern European blackbird may head to the UK to spend the winter in warmer weather. There are many blackbirds in the Scandinavian countries who make this trip every winter.

North American blackbirds also travel long distances in winter, with some flying more than 800 miles south to keep warm and find good food sources.

Eurasian blackbird during winter

Do all blackbirds migrate?

Not all blackbirds migrate. In fact, many blackbirds that live in the UK rarely leave their breeding grounds.

Blackbirds that live in the UK occasionally leave their breeding grounds in winter to find food, but they may only travel a few miles in search of food. For the most part, thrushes stay at home year-round and travel with their Nordic cousins ​​in search of warm weather and good food.

Why do some blackbirds not migrate?

Some blackbirds don’t migrate because they don’t need to migrate at all. As long as blackbirds have good food sources near where they live, there is no reason for them to migrate.

Migration requires a lot of energy. It’s like we’re walking in search of winter sun and good food. So, if blackbirds have everything they need to survive the winters where they are, why leave?

black bird eating red berries

Where do blackbirds go in winter?

Most of the UK’s resident blackbirds are still seen in winter and you can enjoy them foraging in your garden. They will also be joined by Nordic blackbirds from Scandinavian countries.

If you have a bird table in your garden, make sure it is filled regularly over winter. Many birds, including blackbirds, rely on bird feeders and tables during the winter. Blackbirds like to eat on the ground and on the bird table. So make sure they have enough seeds, mealworms and fat balls to eat.

Where do blackbirds go in summer?

You may notice that blackbirds tend to disappear for a while during the summer. This is because they are molting. Most blackbirds hide during molt season because they are venerable to predators. When they molt, they cannot fly as normal. So, they’ll hide until their feathers are ready to fly.

Another reason blackbirds leave our gardens during the summer is to find food. They love to go to the country and enjoy the natural food that summer has to offer.

Male blackbird molting

Why do blackbirds disappear in August?

Blackbirds can suddenly leave your garden in the summer for a few reasons. First, thrushes molt during the summer, and many prefer to hide while molting to protect themselves from predators. They are still able to fly during the moulting season, but not as agile as usual.

Another reason blackbirds disappear in August has to do with food. During August there is an abundance of natural food in the countryside and blackbirds leave our gardens to take advantage of this amazing food source.