Euphagus
cyanocephalus
(Brewer's
Blackbird)
Physical
Description:
8-10" (20-25 cm). Male
is shiny black all over with yellow eyes. Female
has a pale brown head and chest; gray wings, back, and tail; and black eyes.
Similar Species- Rusty Blackbird, Grackles
Song:
A
high pitched, descending note followed by a chuck.
Distribution:
Breeds
from central interior British Columbia, east to western Great Lakes area, and
south to northwestern Baja California, southern Nevada, western and northern
Texas, and northern Indiana. Winters from southern British Columbia, and central
Alberta, eastern Montana, Kansas, Arizona, and western South Carolina, south
to portions of Mexico, southern Texas, Gulf Coast, and southern Florida.
Habitat:
Found
in shrubby and bushy areas (especially near water), in riparian
woodlands, aspen parklands,
cultivated lands, marshes, and around human habitation. During migration and in winter, also found
in pastures and fields. Idaho study conducted in riparian habitat found Brewer's
Blackbirds favored grazed over ungrazed areas.
Diet:
Feeds on insects, seeds, waste
grain, and fruits.
Ecology:
Builds nest in tree
(usually coniferous), or sometimes in shrub
or on ground. Nests in loose colonies (3-20 pairs). Forages on ground, or takes
food from foliage or in air. Sometimes follows plows to eat uncovered insects.
Often seen in large flocks; may forage with other
blackbirds.
Reproduction:
clutch size varies from 3-7 eggs,
but is usually 5-6. Incubation lasts 12-14 days. Young are tended by both adults,
and fly 13-14 days after hatching. Female may produce 2 broods. Males may be polygynous.
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBXB5020 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S5,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5B,N5N |
Important
State References:
Medin, D.E.
and W.P. Clary. 1990. Bird and small mammal populations in a grazed and ungrazed
riparian habitat in Idaho. USDA Forest Service Inter. Res. Sta. Res. Paper INT-245.
8pp.