Rusty Blackbird
Euphagus carolinus
Habitat
Status
Special Concern (Federal)
Blue List (Provincial)
Description
Rusty blackbirds are about the size of a robin, with long tails. Males are an iridescent black during the breeding season and rusty brown in the fall or winter. Females are brownish-grey all over. They have pale yellow eyes with black pupils and slightly curved bills.
Easily confused with Brewers Blackbirds, Rusty Blackbirds are more greenish-black during the breeding season, where Brewer's are purplish black.
In British Columbia, the Rusty Blackbird favours the shores of high-elevation wetlands such as slow-moving streams, peat bogs, marshes, swamps, beaver ponds and pasture edges.
Threats
-Habitat loss due to draining and developing wetlands
-Degradation of wetlands by invasive species and pollution
You Can Help!
-Conserve remaining wetlands and leave them undisturbed
-Protect and restore wetlands on your property
Resources
https://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/cosewic/sr_rusty_blackbird_0806_e.pdf
(All photos taken by Chrissy McLarren, CC by 2.0, via flickr.com)
