BREWERS BLACKBIRD
There are several types of blackbirds, the major species that covers the entire state is the Brewer’s Blackbird. Males have bright yellow eyes--a major identifying characteristic. The rest of the body is mostly black, ranging from a dark iridescent purple to jet black. Females are a lighter gray-brown with brown eyes, so they don’t really look like a blackbird. Both range in size from 8-10 inches.
Blackbirds can be an agricultural pest, eating seeds. One of their favorite habitats is irrigated farm fields and pastures, but they also are found along roads, thickets and brushy areas, feed lots, and lawns in the city. But blackbirds also have some value as they eat alfalfa weevil larvae, aphids, cutworms, and many other insect pests. They are very social birds, and are usually found in small colonies.
Life Cycle
The female lays 4-6 eggs in a nest built of twigs and grasses lined with mud, dung, or other materials. The nests are built in low-lying shrubs or on the ground. The male stays near the nest, guarding it until the female is ready to stay on the eggs. It will then leave, and seek another mate. |
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