A favourite under threat
- lfjedwards
- Apr 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 24
The lovely blackbird, possibly one of our favourite and most recognised birds, found anywhere from gardens, woodland and town/city centres. It’s usually one of the first birds to be heard at dawn and one of the last to be heard at dusk, its soothing, melodic fluty whistle providing comfort in an often crazy world.
Easily recognisable, particularly the male with its glossy, all-black plumage, bright yellow-orange bill, and a matching yellow-orange ring around the eye. The female is dark brown with paler, mottled streaks on their breasts and throats and a dark brown bill.
You may be surprised to learn that one of our most common and widespread birds is now in trouble. Blackbird populations, particularly in southern England, are under threat from the Usutu virus, a mosquito-borne disease which is causing significant, localised declines. The disease, first identified in South Africa, was first detected in the UK in 2020 but has been present in mainland Europe for around three decades. The virus causes fatal illness in birds, particularly blackbirds, with some areas of southern England seeing a dramatic decline in blackbird numbers, especially in London and the south-east. Climate change is also further exacerbating the spread, with warmer, drier springs aiding the mosquitoes. The virus can also be passed to humans, although the risk is low and to date there are no recorded cases in the UK. If human infection does occur, it often has no symptoms.
Although for the time being, the virus seems to be more prevalent in the south, the first cases have been identified in blackbirds in Scotland, specifically the Isle of Arran. We should, inevitably, expect recordings further north in England, before too long.
Last year, scientists called on the public’s help to record blackbird numbers in their areas to attempt to understand the extent and spread of the virus and the potential impacts on our blackbirds. The results are still being analysed but researchers are keen to see if anything similar is happening in other large cities across the UK and how this compares to smaller urban and rural areas.
It would be a true travesty if the blackbird were to disappear from our gardens, towns and countryside. Like many viruses, some birds may be more susceptible and others may fight it off, just like we see with avian flu, although the Usutu virus is often fatal.
We can help blackbirds in our gardens though by cleaning bird baths daily to eliminate mosquitoes and regularly cleaning feeders. You should report sick birds, looking out for lethargic birds, ruffled feathers and a lack of coordination. You should report sightings to: https://www.gardenwildlifehealth.org/contact-us/ or https://share.google/BO0cifwn7RfTHdvNf
We cannot have a world without the blackbird, this beautiful bird is often overlooked and considered drab but I’m a great fan. A bird of poetry, song and nursery rhyme and if they visit your garden on a regular basis, you are especially privileged indeed.
All photos/videos Copyright Lee Edwards 2026 unless otherwise indicated.
Lovely informative blog. Beautiful blackbirds.