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Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolorOrder: PASSERIFORMESFamily: Blackbirds and Orioles (Icteridae)
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Family Orioles and Blackbirds (Icteridae)_blue
Species Agelaius tricolor
Length7.5 - 9 Inches
Wingspan12.75 Inches

Tricolored Blackbird

Tricolored Blackbird: Medium-sized blackbird that is mostly black with a glossy blue tint overall. Shoulder patches are bright red and bordered with white. Lives in flocks year round.Feeds on insects, spiders, caterpillars, and seeds from weeds and grains. Strong direct flight on rapid wing beats.

● Song: "on-ke-kaaangh", "check"

● Foraging & Feeding: Tricolored Blackbird: Feeds on a variety of insects, other invertebrates, and seeds. Forages and roosts in large flocks in winter.

● Breeding & nesting: Tricolored Blackbird: Three to four pale blue-green eggs with fine dark lines or spots are laid in a deep cup nest woven from grass, leaves, and mud, lined with fine grass, and bound to plant stems up to 6 feet above the water or ground. Incubation ranges from 11 to 13 days and is carried out by the female.

● Similar species: Tricolored Blackbird: Red-winged Blackbird has a yellow, not white, shoulder patch border.

Flight Pattern

Strong swift direct flight on rapidly beating wings.
Tricolored Blackbird Body Illustration
● Range & Habitat: Tricolored Blackbird: Breeds in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Baja California. Oregon birds migrate south in winter; California birds are resident. Preferred habitats include annual grasslands, wet and dry vernal pools, and other seasonal wetlands.
BreedingPolygamous, Colonial
PopulationCommon to abundant
MigrationSome migrate
Weight2.4 Ounces