THE BLACKBIRD

In the animal world, some species easily adapt to the presence of humans, while others prefer to avoid human environments altogether. Animals that have adjusted to life in and around human settlements are known as culture followers. They are less shy, find food more easily, and make clever use of human-made infrastructure. Think of nesting on buildings, foraging in gardens, or taking advantage of leftover food. Another term for these animals is synanthropes: species that live in close association with humans, either intentionally or unintentionally.

A striking example of a culture follower is the blackbird. Originally a forest bird, it has become one of the most familiar city birds today. The blackbird has adapted remarkably well to urban life. It often starts singing earlier in the day and at a higher pitch to rise above the constant city noise. Its breeding season begins earlier too, influenced by artificial lighting and the warmer microclimate of the city. Blackbirds make good use of feeding stations, berry bushes, and food scraps found in gardens and parks. Thanks to streetlights, they also remain active longer into the evening than their countryside counterparts.