blackbirds

[brionon]

Why aren't Blackbirds called ''Birds of Prey ''?

After all they eat enough wild creatures !

[Cetti]

However hard I try it's a bit difficult to visualize a Blackbird in the same group as Buzzards, Harriers and Hawks etc. Where is the hooked beak, flashing eye and flesh tearing talons usually associated with 'Raptors'?

I'm afraid the friendly Blackie remains a passive passerine given only to entertain with its glorious song - and not to terrify.....unless you know different, brionon ;-

[brionon]

No I don't know differently, I just think that insects,worms and snails might think that the Blackbird is just as much a killer as the Golden Eagle which eats more Carrion than fresh kills.

[gessoo]

Perhaps the worms and insects see them in a different light, Cetti ;o)

[gessoo]

Posted at the same time brionon!

[Cetti]

I think you might be right gessoo, especially as we've just had some rain. There have been five Blackies rushing round our lawn dragging the poor little worms out full stretch like little elastic bands :-D

[gessoo]

By the time that rain got to us on the East Coast it wasn't enough to be of any use. :o(.

My blackbirds are all deliquents - even my resident pheasant is frightened of them!!!

[Cetti]

Pheasants were way down the list when grey cells were handed out. They have to be the daftest birds on the planet - tasty though!

[sako 243]

if you were to class all birds that eat other creatures as birds of prey im afraid you would have very few in the other category.from chaffinches to the diminutive wren most birds will eat insects and it is a most important source of food for the hatchlings.a true bird of prey is built for the purpose to be able to take animals of proportionate size in air and on ground and is equipped with tallons and beak to do this.

[gessoo]

I so agree about Pheasants! Wood pigeons aren't very bright either!

[Cetti]

Have you ever seen a Woodpigeon just sat motionless in a birdbath? They have the most wonderful glazed expression. Love to know what's going on inside their head - if anything.

[gessoo]

They also fall out of trees quite often in my garden. The young often fall off in pairs. I love to see them hanging on for dear life at the end of a twig which is far too small to perch on, and then fall off. The shocked expression on their faces is great. I know just what you mean about the bird bath. We had one that would insist on sitting for ages in the water bowl I keep outside for the dogs in the summer!

[Lonnie]

I'm afraid i'm going to diversify a little, so please forgive me, yes, Blackbirds, along with all other birds are birds of prey, although most aren't classified as such.

Cows, Sheep and all other animals are beasts of prey, in fact, and don't send for the men in white coats yet, there is hardly a living creature that is not a hunter of other living creatures, Animal or Vegetable.