Rusty Blackbird or Red-Winged Blackbird?
Here's how to tell the difference
Rusty Blackbird
Red-Winged Blackbird
Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus
General appearance
Rusty Blackbirds are medium-sized blackbirds with striking seasonal changes in plumage. In winter, they exhibit a distinctive rusty-edged appearance with rusty or rufous edges to their dark feathers, and pale yellow eyes. In summer, their feathers become mostly black or dark brown, losing the rusty edges. They have slender, slightly curved bills and relatively long tails, which are typical traits of blackbirds.
Male vs female
Males in breeding plumage are glossy black with greenish or bluish iridescence, whereas females are more subdued with dark gray or brownish plumage. During the non-breeding season, both sexes look similar with rust-colored feather edges; however, males often display richer, darker hues than females, who maintain a slightly browner overall appearance.
Juvenile
Juvenile Rusty Blackbirds have a more uniformly brown coloration compared to adults, lacking the glossy adult sheen. They are primarily a dull brown with streaked underparts and dark eyes, distinguishing them from adults whose eyes are pale yellow. As they mature, juveniles gradually acquire the adult plumage patterns and eye color.
Size
8.3 - 9.8 in/1.6 - 2.8 oz
There's more to learn about Rusty Blackbird
View full detailsRed-Winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
General appearance
The Red-winged Blackbird's general size ranges between 7 to 9 1/2 inches (18-24 cm). Its wings are broad and rounded with a rounded, square-tipped tail. With coloration varying from black, brown, orange, red to yellow, these birds are about the size of a Robin.
Male vs female
Male Red-winged blackbirds are noticeable with shoulder patches that may be either evident, particularly in song display, or mostly concealed by body feathers. These patches are typically bordered yellow, but in central California, these can be entirely red. Females, on the other hand, present very differently. They display streaky brown coloration with a buff eyebrow.
Juvenile
Younger red-winged blackbirds, like the females, appear streaky brown. They resemble sparrows but possess different behavior aids, darker lower belly, and a spikier bill distinguishing them from the common sparrows. With age and seasonal variations, their coloration and physical traits progress and develop into that of respective adult males and females.
Size
6.3 - 9.8 in/1.1 - 2.6 oz
There's more to learn about Red-Winged Blackbird
View full detailsHow to tell the Rusty Blackbird from the Red-Winged Blackbird
Visual differences
Rusty Blackbirds (8-10 inches) have rusty-edged dark feathers and pale yellow eyes in winter, with males glossy black in summer. They have slender, slightly curved bills. Red-winged Blackbirds (7-9.5 inches) feature males with black plumage and distinctive red-and-yellow shoulder patches, while females are streaky brown with a buff eyebrow. Their tails are rounded and square-tipped. Juxtaposed, Rusty Blackbirds exhibit more seasonal plumage variation, while Red-winged males retain vivid, year-round shoulder coloring. Their beaks are also slender but differ due to the less curved shape.
Key differences and behavior
Rusty and Red-Winged Blackbirds exhibit notable behavioral differences. Rusty Blackbirds are solitary nesters in northern coniferous wetlands, often found in small flocks, eating insects, seeds, and even birds. They are seldom seen at feeders. Conversely, Red-Winged Blackbirds thrive in marshes and open fields, forming massive winter flocks and are known for aggressive territorial displays, even against large animals. They regularly visit feeders for seeds and grains. Both species primarily eat insects and seeds but differ in specific prey and seasonal adaptations. In breeding, Rusty Blackbirds use isolated nesting near water, while Red-Winged Blackbirds nest communally in marsh vegetation. Rusty Blackbirds' mysterious decline contrasts with the Red-Winged Blackbird's adaptation to varied environments, indicative of their unique behavioral ecology.
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