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More Urban Species: Rusty Blackbird

Photos by cottonmanifesto. Location: Jamaica Plain.

Rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus

It is not shocking that after many years of observing nature in the city, that this was the first and to date only, rusty blackbird I have seen. First of all, blackbirds are not always easy to distinguish from one another, especially the females. And they habitually gather in mixed flocks numbering in the hundreds or even thousands. This lone female would have gone unidentified if not for the dogged pursuit of the Urban Nature Walk photogs, and the bird's fortunate stillness for the camera. It was only after examining the pictures later, and comparing them to identification guides that we recognized her.

Secondly, this is one the more uncommon blackbird species that can be found in the Boston area, and the one with the most particular habitat needs. Rusty blackbirds only nest in forested wetlands, as far north as the treeline in Alaska and northern Canada. They also happen to be the North American songbird with the steepest observed population decline. Why this should be so is a mystery, but it is likely to have many causes. Habitat losses over the recent centuries, as agriculture spread across Alberta and other places, have had the greatest impact. Also, competition from other blackbirds--those that are better adapted for living alongside human changes to the landscape--appears to threaten them as well.

Rusty blackbirds migrate to wet woods in the United States in winter, with Massachusetts marking the northernmost part of their winter range. They feed mainly on aquatic invertebrates, such as insects and insect larvae, but will resort to eating acorn mast and other plant material when pressed. There are reports that rusty blackbirds have even attacked and eaten smaller songbirds.

( another big picture, and links to more information )

On this day in 365 Urban Species: White-winged scoter.