blackbird, in the New World, any of several species belonging to the family Icteridae (order Passeriformes); also, an Old World thrush (Turdus merula). rusty blackbird rusty blackbird Rusty blackbird (Euphagus carolinus). Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. red-winged blackbird red-winged blackbird Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The Old World blackbird is 25 cm (10 inches) long; males are black and females brown, with orange bill and eye-rims. Common in woods and gardens throughout temperate Eurasia and established also in Australia and New Zealand, it resembles the American robin in general behaviour.