Malta's national bird: a blue-grey thrush singing from cliffs, bastions and rooftops.
The Blue Rock Thrush (Il-Merill) is Malta's national bird, a slate-grey thrush with a distinctive fluting song that carries across the Maltese valleys and cliffs.
Appearance
The male Merill is slate-blue with a white or pale-blue belly; the female is brown and speckled. They measure around 22–23 cm in length.
Habitat and behaviour
The Merill nests in crevices on sea cliffs, quarries and old fortifications throughout Malta and Gozo. It perches prominently on rocks and bastions, singing at dawn and dusk. The bird hunts insects from the ground and low rocks.
Cultural significance
The Merill is featured on Maltese coins and stamps, and appears in the national coat of arms. Its song is deeply embedded in Maltese culture and is referenced in local poetry and music.
Conservation status
While protected under Maltese law, the Merill faces threats from disturbance at nest sites during the breeding season (March to June) and from illegal shooting and trapping.
Protection tips
Keep clear of cliff nests during spring. Report any illegal hunting or trapping immediately to the police or BirdLife Malta.
Threats
Disturbance at nest sites during breeding season; illegal shooting and trapping; loss of cliff-side nesting habitat due to development; use of pesticides affecting food sources.
How to help
Stay at least 50 metres away from active nests from March to June. Report illegal hunting or trapping to the police or BirdLife Malta. Support habitat conservation initiatives on cliff sites.
Photo: jose maria carretero palacios from jerez de los caballeros, españa, CC BY 2.0.
