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Rusty Blackbird (female)
Euphagus carolinus
33.7291, -96.7782
Field Notes
Description:
Rusty Blackbird is a medium-sized blackbird with a slender bill and medium-length tail. The bill is slightly decurved. They are a bit larger and longer-tailed than Red-winged Blackbird with a more slender bill. Rusty Blackbird is thinner-billed and shorter-tailed than Common Grackle.
In winter, male Rusty Blackbirds are recognized by their rusty feather edges, pale yellow eye and buffy eyebrow. Females are gray-brown; they also have rusty feather edges, pale eyes and a bold eyebrow, contrasting with darker feathers right around the eye. Breeding males are dark glossy black.
Habitat:
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge: The primary purpose of the refuge is to protect and manage 11,320 acres of habitat for refuge and breeding ground purposes for migratory birds and other wildlife. The Refuge includes about 6,500 acres of uplands, 4,000 acres of open water, 500 acres of wetlands, and 400 acres of croplands.
Notes:
Rusty Blackbird is one of North America’s most rapidly declining species. The population has plunged an estimated 85-99 percent over the past forty years and scientists are completely puzzled as to what is the cause. They are relatively uncommon denizens of wooded swamps, breeding in the boreal forest and wintering in the eastern U.S. In winter, they travel in small flocks and are identified by their distinctive rusty featheredges and pallid yellow eyes.
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