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Montana Field Guides

Brewer's Blackbird - Euphagus cyanocephalus

  • Brewer`s Blackbird, Male
  • Brewer`s Blackbird, Female
  • Brewer`s Blackbird, In Shrub
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Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S5B

Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 3
PIF: 3
 

General Description
Medium-sized blackbird; species sexually dimorphic in color and size. Adult male black with violet iridescence on head and neck in strong light, appearing dusky-brown in duller lighting. Female grayish brown with light violet gloss on head and neck and faint metallic greenish sheen on rest of body plumage. Wings and tail darker and glossier.

General Distribution
Montana Range



Western Hemisphere Range

 


Summary of Observations Submitted for Montana
Number of Observations: 5612

(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version) Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density

Recency

Breeding
(direct evidence "B")

Breeding
(indirect evidence "b")

No evidence of Breeding
(transient "t")

Overwintering
(regular observations "W")

Overwintering
(at least one obs. "w")


 

(Records associated with a range of dates are excluded from time charts)



Migration
In the Bozeman area, normal migration periods are from April 27 to May 10 and September 15 to October 5.

Habitat
Species prefers open, human-modified habitats such as residential lawns, golf courses, cemeteries, mowed urban parks and campus areas. Also found in large clearcut forests and plowed fields.

Food Habits
During breeding season, diet consists of insects and other invertebrates, along with grains and weed seeds. During migration and winter, diet consists of primarily vegetarian such as waste grains, weed and grass seeds.

Reproductive Characteristics
Near Fortine, egg dates range from May 15 to June 20. Statewide, nesting is from mid-May to mid-July. Incubation period 12-14 days; young able to fly 14-15 days after hatch.

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Citation for data on this website:
Brewer's Blackbird — Euphagus cyanocephalus.  Montana Field Guide.  Retrieved on February 9, 2010, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_ABPBXB5020.aspx
 
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