Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 8 inches
* Sharply-pointed bill
* Pale eye
* Often found in wet wooded areas

Male:

* Entirely black plumage in Spring and Summer
* Variable amount of brown feather edges in Fall and Winter often with pale supercilium and malar streak

Female:

* Breeding plumage similar to male but grayer
* Winter plumage similar to male's

Similar species:

Male Rusty Blackbird similar to male Brewer's Blackbird but lacks purple iridescence. Female Brewer's Blackbird has a dark eye. Grackles are larger with much longer tails. Cowbirds are smaller with more conical bills.