Brewer's Blackbird -- South Dakota Birds

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

The Brewer's Blackbird is a common sight in the open country of the western U.S., although it has also expanded its range into the Great Lakes area.  As with the Common Grackle, they have become accustomed to a human presence, and are a common sight in residential areas.  

Habitat: Can be found in a variety of open to semi-open habitats, including shrubby fields, riparian areas, farmland, shrubby grasslands, and woodland edges.

Diet: Feeds on a wide variety of insects and spiders, as well as consuming a large amount of seeds and waste grain.  Will also feed on snails and small crustaceans.

Nesting: June and July

Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map

Song: A short rough buzzy z-kzzzzzz.

Migrations: Summers throughout much of the western U.S., western Canada, and the Great Lakes area.  Winters in the southern half of the U.S. and southward.

Similar Species: Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird

Status: Generally stable and widespread.  Has expanded its range since historic times to include the Great Lakes region.

Further Information: 1)  USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Brewer's Blackbird

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Brewer's Blackbird"

3) eNature.com: Brewer's Blackbird

Photo Information: April 19th, 2007 - Point Reyes National Seashore, California - Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the photo chips below for additional higher-resolution images of this species.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08