From Opus

Euphagus cyanocephalus

Male
Photo by Fulmar
Point Vicente, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California, USA, February 2004

[edit] 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.

Female
Photo by blubird
Lake Forest, California, USA, June 2008

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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).

[edit] 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.

Immature
Photo by Marysan
Escondido, California, May 2005

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] References

1. 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.
2. Pyle, Peter 1997. Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part 1. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, California. ISBN 0-9618940-2-4
3. Birdforum thread including information about parking lot behavior

• List of references

[edit] External Links