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Generally gregarious most of the time but can be seen singly or in pairs as well. Can be very aggressive when breeding, often attacking any large creature that ventures too close including people. | Generally gregarious most of the time but can be seen singly or in pairs as well. Can be very aggressive when breeding, often attacking any large creature that ventures too close including people. | ||
| − | In some areas | + | In some areas very common in parking lots, where it will each insects off the front of parked cars. |
====Movement==== | ====Movement==== | ||
Compared to other blackbirds, its undulating flight is more shallow, more-grackle like. On the ground it walks with a bobbing head, it does not hop. | Compared to other blackbirds, its undulating flight is more shallow, more-grackle like. On the ground it walks with a bobbing head, it does not hop. | ||
Revision as of 18:03, 28 October 2011
- Euphagus cyanocephalus
Identification
Slightly smaller than an American Robin or Eurasian Blackbird.
Male: is black overall with a blue, or purplish-blue iridescence on the body and greenish iridescence on the head and neck. The exact color seen depends on the angle of the bird. The eyes are whitish-yellow.
Female: Is grayish-brown overall with dark eyes (except a few birds that show yellow eyes).
Immature birds are similar to females.
Distribution
Breeds from the Great Lakes westward through the northern US and Western Canada. Occurs year round in the Pacific states and Great Basin area. Winters eastward to Arkansas and Mississippi.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species[1] according to some accounts, others recognize three subspecies: minusculus, brewsteri, and cyanocephalus. These differ mainly in size, but not in male plumage.
The two Euphagus Blackbirds are closely related to the Grackles and are often called by the same name in other languages; (ie Quiscale in French).
Habitat
Prefers open areas such as ranches and open savanna type habitats with scattered trees. Often found near water. Also a bird of urban areas especially parks and school campuses. Can be a pest around outdoor eating areas.
Behaviour
Generally gregarious most of the time but can be seen singly or in pairs as well. Can be very aggressive when breeding, often attacking any large creature that ventures too close including people.
In some areas very common in parking lots, where it will each insects off the front of parked cars.
Movement
Compared to other blackbirds, its undulating flight is more shallow, more-grackle like. On the ground it walks with a bobbing head, it does not hop.
Vocalisation
Both sexes give a harsh check call. Lighter than the chuck calls given by grackles. Males also give wheezy songs. A high t,zzzeeee and an almost sneezing ssleeeeezzz. As well as a throaty gurgle. May also give a high clear teeeeee or teeeeer. Usually level in pitch.
References
- Clements, JF. 2009. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. 6th ed., with updates to December 2009. Ithaca: Cornell Univ. Press. ISBN 978-0801445019.
- Pyle, Peter 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part 1. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, California. ISBN 0-9618940-2-4
- Birdforum thread including information about parking lot behavior
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2025) Brewer's Blackbird. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 9 May 2025 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Brewer%27s_Blackbird
