Yellow-headed Blackbird
NameYellow-headed Blackbird
Common NameYellow-headed Blackbird
Scientific NameXanthocephalus xanthocephalus
FamilyIcteridae
Wingspan (cm)41.5
Length (cm)23.5
Weight (g)60
Plumage DetailsMales have a brilliant yellow head, neck, and breast, contrasting sharply with a glossy black body. They also feature a prominent white patch on the primary coverts of the wing. Females are duller, mostly brownish with a yellowish wash on the face and throat, and less distinct white wing patches.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations are often described as harsh, raspy, gurgling, or buzzing, sometimes likened to a rusty gate or a strangled sound. They produce a variety of calls and songs, particularly during breeding displays.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across western and central North America, from southern Canada through the Great Plains to the southwestern United States. Winters primarily in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Identifying FeaturesBright yellow head and breast (male), Black body (male), White wing patch (male), Marsh habitat, Harsh, gurgling call
Description
The Yellow-headed Blackbird is a striking marsh bird, known for the male's vibrant yellow head and black body. They are highly social, often nesting in colonies in dense emergent vegetation over water, where males display their distinctive calls and plumage.
