The Chinese blackbird is a member of the thrush family Turdidae. It was formerly considered conspecific with the related common blackbird.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds widely in eastern and southern China, including Hainan, with some populations extending to Taiwan and wintering or dispersing into northern Vietnam and Laos. Occupies forest edges, secondary woodland, parks, gardens, and farmland with hedgerows. Prefers areas with dense shrub layers and leaf litter for ground foraging, and readily uses urban green spaces. In winter it frequents fruiting trees and thickets and may form small loose flocks.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Chinese blackbird is a close relative of the common blackbird, from which it was recently split, and it occupies a wide range of wooded and semi-urban habitats across China and nearby regions. Males are dark and sleek with a yellowish bill and eye-ring, while females are browner with faint mottling. It forages mostly on the ground, turning leaf litter to uncover invertebrates, and switches to fruit more in winter. Its mellow, fluting song is reminiscent of the common blackbird but can be slightly lower-pitched.
Temperament
wary but adaptable
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season; pairs are territorial. Builds a neat cup nest of grasses and mud placed low in a shrub or small tree; clutch usually 3–5 eggs. Outside the breeding season it may join small loose groups at fruiting trees and good foraging sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Rich, fluting warble delivered from a perch at dawn and dusk, with varied phrases and pauses. Alarm calls include a sharp tac and a thin seep. The song is musical and mellow, reminiscent of the common blackbird.
Plumage
Male mostly uniform black to sooty-black; female dark brown with slightly paler, sometimes faintly mottled underparts. Juveniles show subtle spotting and scaly patterning on the breast. Plumage is sleek with minimal patterning compared to many thrushes.
Diet
Feeds mainly on earthworms, insects, and other small invertebrates gleaned from the ground and leaf litter. In autumn and winter it takes a greater proportion of fruits and berries such as figs, privet, and other soft mast. It will opportunistically consume snails and small amphibians and may visit orchards and gardens.
Preferred Environment
Forages on lawns, forest floors, park edges, and scrubby margins where leaf litter accumulates. Uses shaded understory and hedgerows for cover and moves into open ground to probe and hop while feeding.
