The Blackbird (Turdus merula)

In Germany last Summer I first learned of "die Amsel", and now in Rome, "il merlo." Never heard or seen it in America.

Very similar to the mockingbird in the pleasantness and variety of melody, though with a very inferior gait and overall appearance.

Our New Jersey mockingbird has a slender, chiseled stance and noble poise, while the common blackbird (male) is just a plump black ball (with a yellow beak).

He does have the better song and I understand that he can be trained to talk better than a parrot! Somehow he fits right in with the Roman and German scene. He looks and sings like a Pavarotti! The first singer of the Roman Spring and of the Roman Spring days. Love it!