Blackbird - Manu Pango
The beautiful Blackbird is an easily recognised visitor to most New Zealand gardens.
The male has a beautiful black plumage with a yellow bill and eye-ring, while the female is more subdued in brown tones. They were introduced by the European settlers for sentimental reasons as they made them feel at home, although not a native, they are still a well-loved part of daily life in New Zealand.
It’s a territorial bird that will defend its territory along invisible boundaries. The boundary corners tend to be set up between high perches where the male will sit to sing out to let others know not to come near. They also use these high positions to sing their beautiful tuneful song to attract a mate and will happily sing loud and clear.
They can become quite friendly and as they live for up to 20 years in the same location they can get quite used to their human kohabitors comings and goings and may get quite close, and even have a regular daily routine to visit and see what you’re up to.
Blackbirds have a unique hearing. Their two ears are connected to just one hearing organ which is centrally located in its head, this means that they have 360-degree hearing. The reason they often cock their heads to one side to get a better idea of the location of the source of a sound.
Blackbirds are happy using a nesting box and will return to the same location year after year to start new broods. If you put up a Kohab Open Birdhouse and get blackbirds moving in you will be supporting generation after generation of birds, and reaping the benefit of all their wonderful singing.
What do Blackbirds eat?
Blackbirds eat a range of foods but spend much of their time searching out their favourite treat, earthworms. They hop about on lawns with their head cocked sensing the movement of worms and grubs below the surface. And they forage in leaf litter looking for insects and spiders and very happily munch on caterpillars too.
An extra energy boost from additional food put out on a bird table or in a safe ground location will help Blackbirds thrive.
Also, support the natural insect population by planting insect-friendly plants and letting leaf litter accumulate.
Blackbirds will love:
The Perfect Wall-Mounted Feeder for NZ Birds
The Kohab Branch Bird Feeder is a great way to feed the birds you kohabit with if you are limited on space or short on trees. Designed to securely attach to a wall or fence, it offers multiple feeding options to attract and nourish NZ birds.
Spike fresh fruit on the top branches to entice Tūī, Silvereye, and other fruit-loving birds, or hang Kohab Bird Bells, seed feeders, or suet treats from the lower branches to cater to seed-eating species.
Designed to be attached to a wall or fence and made of weather-resistant 3mm Corten Steel. The outer layer is designed to rust, which gives it a unique antique look but at the same time gives the feeder a layer of protection so it will last for years and years.
Supplied with 2 screws for secure fixing to a wall or fence.
Size: 268mm long x 180mm high x 45mm wide (bracket)
Packed in easy to recycle from home paper packaging - no plastic!
The perfect NZ Bird Feeder for Tui!
The Kohab Feeder is the perfect nectar feeder for our native and endemic birds Tūī, Silvereye/Waxeye or Bellbirds. Just add a bowl of your choice with Kohab Bird Nectar, or even pieces of fruit.
Simply attach it to a tree or fence. Adding a bowl of your choice means you can easily keep the feeder clean and tidy. It also gives you the option to change what you are feeding, depending on who is visiting or who you want to have visit your garden.
Adding a bird feeder is a great way to support and encourage your local wildlife. Not only are you providing a safe feeding site, you also get to connect more with those you kohabit your space with and get the joy of watching the bird life thrive. It's a win-win.
By providing your garden birds with high-energy food and good nutrition, you will help them thrive.
PLEASE NOTE: A bowl is not included with the Kohab Bird Feeder.
Details:
This DIY bird feeder is New Zealand made from strong, high-quality marine plywood with thick walls and roof so it will last and last.
This feeder comes in a kitset and is quick and easy to assemble. Simply slot the pieces together and hammer a few nails into the part-drilled holes. We supply the nails and two sturdy mounting screws.
To find out more about how to put your Kohab Feeder together, take a look at our assembly instructions.
Other Info:
This Kohab Bird Feeder is made from high-quality marine plywood, which is safe for birds and can last outside untreated for up to 10 years. However, as with all outside wood products, you can extend your feeder's lifespan with a little bit of love. We recommend sealing it with Timber Sealer and Protector.
Size: H 295mm x W 229mm x D 165mm
All Kohab products are proudly NZ made.
The Kohab Open Wooden Birdhouse has been specially designed to give safe, warm shelter to a range of NZ birds that are regular visitors to your garden. The open birdhouse style replicates the birds’ natural nesting preference and will be attractive to Grey Warbler, Silvereye, Blackbirds, Song Thrush, House Sparrows and even, if you’re in luck, Tūī.
Adding a birdhouse to your garden is a great way to support and encourage your local wildlife. Not only are you providing a safe nesting box, you also get to connect more with those you kohabit your space with and have the joy of watching generation after generation of new bird life. It's a win-win.
Details:
This DIY birdhouse is New Zealand made from strong high-quality marine plywood with thick walls and roof making them watertight as well as warm and snug. They have a slide-in base that makes cleaning them quick and easy, and good floor ventilation to keep moisture levels low.
Our birdhouses come in a kitset and are quick and easy to assemble. Simply slot the pieces together and hammer a few nails into the part-drilled holes. We supply the nails and two sturdy mounting screws.
To find out more about how to put your Kohab Wooden Birdhouse together take a look at our birdhouse plans and assembly instructions.
Other Info:
Kohab birdhouses are made from high-quality marine plywood, which is safe for birds and can last outside untreated for up to 10 years.
However, as with all outside wood products, you can extend your birdhouses lifespan with a little bit of love. We recommend sealing it with Timber Sealer and Protector.
Size: H 296mm x W 180mm x D 145mm
Entrance hole: H 75mm x W 130mm
Kohab Birdhouses are proudly NZ made.