Every bird species is comprised of its own unique features, quirks, and curious facts. The yellow-headed blackbird is no exception. There are around 9 other species of North American birds that fall under the term “blackbird”, including the red-winged blackbird, the common grackle and the Brewer’s blackbird.
But, we think, the yellow-headed blackbird has traits and behaviors that make this bird stand out from the rest. In this article, we share it all.
Identifying Yellow-Headed Blackbirds
The yellow-headed blackbird is first and foremost identified by, you guessed it, its shining yellow head.
Males feature a luminous black body, yellow head, sharply pointed beaks, a long tail, and a stout body.
Females, while similar in appearance, have muted tones. They have a brownish-gray body and a slighter duller yellow head.
These birds are roughly eight to ten inches in height and sport a wingspan of fifteen inches on average.
Yellow-headed black birds inhabit a variety of ecosystems and live in a diverse range which depends heavily on the season. During the summer they reside in central and western U.S. and Canada. In these warmer months they nest in aquatic regions, primarily deep in large wetlands but also sometimes along the edges of ponds and rivers. They migrate southwest for the winter, primarily in Texas, southern California, Mexico, and Central America. At this time they enjoy farm fields, parklands, and meadows.
Ten Facts About Yellow-Headed Blackbirds
Keep reading for ten fascinating facts about these golden-crowned, sleek birds!
1. Yellow-Headed Blackbirds Build Hanging Aquatic Nests
Males and females work together to build a cup-shaped nest that dangles above the water, usually two to three feet high. Using wet vegetation like cattails and reeds, they weave a structure that naturally tightens as it dries, reinforcing its strength and providing a secure structure for their eggs.
While they prefer to nest in colonies, each male fiercely defends his breeding territory, particularly during courtship.
2. They can Adapt to a Changing Ecosystem
As ecosystems change due to human activity and climate change, yellow-headed blackbirds prove their adaptability. The are adjusting their migration patterns and expanding their range in response to shifting food availability. Their diverse habitat and foraging preferences enable them to thrive even in an ever-changing world.
3. Males Put on Elaborate Performances to Court Females
Males have a fascinating courtship ritual. This consists of a diversity of songs and a flashy mix of postures and dance. Females join the males in duet when interested in taking him as a mate.
4. Only 20-30% of Their Nests Fledge Young Successfully
Fledglings have a rough start at life. Eggs are predated on by a variety of species sharing the local ecosystem. They also frequently fall from the nest into the water, forcing the fragile young birds to swim short distances to vegetation. Pesticide-use also threatens young yellow-headed blackbirds as it is impacting their food supply.
5. The Yellow-Headed Blackbird Exists in Native American Folklore
This bird appears in many sects of Native American folklore. For example, the Navajo believe they are associated with mystical spirits. Medieval poetry, on the other hand, view them as symbols of love affairs. They additionally symbolize strength and resilience.
6. This Bird’s Discovery Is of Historical Significance
In 1825 Charles Lucien Bonaparte, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, gave the first detailed description of the yellow-headed blackbird, which was collected in 1820 by Thomas Say and Sir John Richardson.
Their history expands beyond this, however. Pleistocene fossils of these birds (from 100,000 years ago) have been dug up in California, New Mexico, and Utah.
7. Yellow-Headed Blackbirds Have a Strange and Distinctive Call
These calls often include honking, gurgling, and strangling noises. Their songs also feature a unique noise that sounds like the opening of a rusty gate.
8. They Share the Same Habitat with Red-Winged Blackbirds
Yellow-headed black birds and red-winged blackbirds often share a marsh during nesting. The yellow-headed black bird is larger and more dominate than the red-winged blackbird. For this reason, it gets first dibs on prime nesting locations.
9. The Oldest Known Yellow-Headed Blackbird Was Nearly Twelve Years Old
The eldest bird specimen found was at least eleven years and eight months old. This is an impressive lifespan for a small bird! It had been banded in Saskatchewan in 1983 and was later found in Nebraska in 1995.
10. Yellow-Headed Blackbirds Enjoy Backyard Bird Feeders
Attracting these birds to your backyard feeder is possible! They enjoy a mix of seeds on a feeder placed in a safe and sunny spot. Clean bird baths with fresh water are enjoyed too!
As you can see, yellow-headed blackbirds are unique, interesting creatures worth learning about. This is a brief overview- there is far more out there to learn!
Want to compare them to other fascinating birds? Start with the eastern phoebe.
