Black bird colour

[johnd83]

I was sat watching the bird feeders this morning with a coffee and I saw a blackbird which looks quite a reddish colour? Would this be normal for this time of year. It was certain a black bird ground feeding and the trademark hopping on the grass but looked almost red.

Any know?

[Jacksparrow]

I'm thinking it was a female. They can be quite dark in colour and almost a beige with many stops in between. Diet can sometimes influence the plumage colours so your Blackie may have been dining on something red and tasty. It's a pity you didn't have your camera handy

[Placido]

I'm also thinking it's a female. At the opposite end of the spectrum they sometimes appear almost black.
Best distinguishing features are that the f. is chubbier in build and of course no yellow beak.