The Indian blackbird is a member of the thrush family Turdidae. It was formerly considered a subspecies of the common blackbird. It is found only in India and Sri Lanka. The subspecies from most of the Indian subcontinent, simillimus, nigropileus, bourdilloni and spencei, are small, only 19–20 centimetres long, and have broad eye-rings. They also differ in proportions, wing formula, egg colour and voice from the common blackbird.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in the hill and montane forests of peninsular India (notably the Western Ghats and adjoining ranges) and Sri Lanka. It favors evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shola-grassland mosaics, and well-wooded ravines. The species also uses secondary growth, forest edges, tea and coffee estates with shade trees, and wooded gardens in hill stations. In Sri Lanka it is most frequent in the wet zone highlands. It is largely non-migratory within this range.
Altitude Range
500–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Indian blackbird is a forest thrush once treated as a subspecies of the common blackbird but now recognized as distinct. It is confined to India and Sri Lanka, where several subspecies show subtle differences in size, proportions, and voice. A broad yellow to orange eye-ring is characteristic, especially in many Indian populations. Its mellow, thrush-like song carries well through hill forests at dawn and dusk.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen alone or in pairs, defending small territories in forest undergrowth and along edges. Breeding pairs build neat cup nests in shrubs or low trees. Clutches are usually 2–3 eggs, and both sexes participate in care. Outside breeding season it may join loose assemblages at fruiting trees but remains unobtrusive.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, fluty thrush-like song with rich, well-spaced phrases; less loud than the common blackbird but similarly musical. Call notes include soft chucks and thin seeps, with sharper alarm chatters when disturbed.
