The blackbird is one of the most common birds found in Ireland. It lives here all year round. It is what we call a resident bird. I often see lots of  blackbirds flying around ,especially out of hedges and hopping across lawns. It is mainly a woodland bird but is found in back gardesn all oer the country. The blackbird lives on worms, insects and fruit. It is one of Irelands best song birds. Click on the stamp and listen to his song. It is brilliant. 

Sometimes I leave bread out for the blackbirds. You would see blackbirds in gardens, trees and flying around. The male has a lovely sound and is a lovely singer. You can't have a blackbird as a pet, because it is a wild bird and it lives outside. I would like to have a blackbird as my pet. A blackbird has very small legs. A blackbird got big long black feathers.

It is very easy to spot a male blackbird. It has black feathers of course and a very noticeable orange-yellow beak.

The female blackbird is not black at all but is brownish in colour and is sometimes mistaken for a thrush. The difference between the two birds is very clear to see at close range or if you use a pair of binoculars. To see birds properly you really need a good pair of binoculars.I do not have a pair yet, but I hope to get a pair next Christmas.

The stamp was issued in Phase 3 on April 2nd. 1998.