Rusty Blackbird
(Euphagus carolinus)
Adult
Embedded Files
Present: Migration
Present: Migration
Visual Identification
Visual Identification
Rusty Blackbirds are dull black/very dark grey, and unlike most icterids, not entirely iridescent. They may have a slight sheen, but are otherwise have muted coloration. Most will have rusty/burnt sienna markings around the facial area, and are not visible from far away. They will also have rusty markings on the tertial, flanks, sides and breast areas. Like grackles, they have yellow eyes.
Voice
Voice
A series of “rusty door” creaks, similar to those of a grackle or the “seers” of a Red-Winged Blackbird, but distinguishable. They also produce “kep” and “seer” calls in typical icterid style.
Habitat
Habitat
Rusty blackbirds spend most of their time in open swampy areas. This includes wet/flooded forest edge, flooded/wet fields, and willow thickets.
Behavior
Behavior
Rusty blackbirds spend most of their time near water. Unlike most icterids, they wade in water to search for invertebrates. They will most likely be seen in the pond muck/mud/sludge at the “shore”. They will perch near water and close to the ground, and prefer semi-open areas with semi-dense undergrowth.
They are usually solitary
Comparisons
Comparisons
A Brown-headed cowbird may be mistaken for a rusty blackbird, but note that they are iridescent and have a dull brown head.
Common Grackles may be mistaken for a Rustie to an untrained eye, but have a very obvious difference. Common Grackles have a long tapering tail with a slight dip, while Rusties have a short, flat tail.
A male Red-Winged Blackbird may be mistaken for a Rusty Blackbird, but note that they have red wing-coverts and have a black eye.
Where and When to see them
Where and When to see them
They are uncommon at sparrow pond.
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