Common Blackbird

A real thrush is the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula). When this avoids confusion with a similarly-looking local species, it is also known as the blackbird, the Eurasian blackbird, or simply the blackbird (particularly in North America, where it is distinguished from the unrelated New World blackbirds). It has been introduced to Australia and New Zealand and breeds in Europe, Asiatic Russia, and North Africa. Over the course of its extensive distribution, it has a number of subspecies; some of the Asian subspecies are occasionally regarded as whole species. The common blackbird can be resident, partially migratory, or entirely migratory depending on latitude.

The most well-known examples of bird species that sunbathe include robins and blackbirds. It's not unusual to observe a blackbird relaxing in your garden on a bright day with its wings spread wide and feathers fluffed out. This contributes to the distribution of preen oil, which is crucial for maintaining the health of their feathers, as part of their feather care. Additionally, sunbathing brings out any parasites that might be hidden in the bird's feathers.