I saw some birds on the street where i live in innerwest Sydney, which is unusual in that they were not common myna birds or noisy miners which are the only birds to be found generally (and sadly). They were feeding on some seeds in a tree.
It was definitely smaller than a noisy miner, dark and had a yellow bill. I am unsure that they were common blackbirds, because they were not all black, had some lighter streaks, and were smaller than desribed on the site here. But this is probably what they were. Does any one have any other ideas?
Might be another "common" one a "common starling" - blackbird is not so common around sydney (as far as I know)
Ebird is a useful tool to find out how often a species is sighted in a particular area - Ebird Starling - you can zoom right in on the map
If it was smaller than a noisy miner than it probably isnt a blackbird. They are common in Sydney though, I see them often around Sydney. Like WhistlingDuck said maybe a starling?
Female Blackbirds aren't actually black, they appear darkish brown and streaked as you describe. Most likely what they are.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
I agree starling would be your best bet from your description. I find that blackbirds usually stick to low shrubs, tall but shrubby trees, and digging in the ground. They do occasionally come up high, but usually to an exposed branch to sing its heart out. I would not expect to find one feeding in the canopy
Just keep in mind if you go to look up images is that they have while on the tips of their feathers at certain times of the year which wears off- so you can get them spotty, just shiny, and anywhere inbetween.
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
Thank you everyone, I believe they were Starlings.
elizabeth