Szczudłak zwyczajny, common blackbird, Turdus merula is also called Eurasian blackbird or simply blackbird. It breeds in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has been introducet to Canada, United States, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Depending on latitude, the common blackbird may be resident, partially migratory, or fully migratory.

The male of the nominate subspecies, which is found throughout most of Europe, is all black except for a yellow eye-ring and bill and has a rich, melodious song. The adult female and juvenile have mainly dark brown plumage. This species breeds in woods and gardens, building a neat, mud-lined, cup-shaped nest. It is omnivotous, eating a wide range of insects, earthworms, berries and fruits.