A blackbird collects dry grass, flies to the nest base and lays it down. After a lot of material has piled up it makes alternate kicking movements with the feet, turning round at the same time, and supporting itself with its wings. While doing this it distributes loose material with its beak. After that the blackbird hen collects earth, dips it in a vessel of water and wipe the wet material in the nest hollow. Then she makes kicking movements. Finally fine grass is carried in and distributed for padding.