Discover the diverse world of blackbirds in Virginia, where eight unique species flutter and chirp amongst the trees. The Red-winged Blackbird reigns as the most common of them all, its vibrant plumage a striking sight. However, be on the lookout for the invasive European Starlings, who have made their presence known in Virginia’s avian community. While Brown-headed Cowbirds may not be the most beloved, they possess a fascinating trait known as brood parasitism. Resourceful Common Grackles thrive on a wide variety of foods, showcasing their adaptability. Surprisingly, both Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles belong to the esteemed blackbird family. Sadly, Rusty Blackbirds have experienced a troubling decline in population. Lastly, keep an eye out for Boat-tailed Grackles with their captivating long, V-shaped tails. Come, embark on a journey to uncover the wonders of these fascinating blackbird species in the heart of Virginia’s nature.
Red-winged Blackbird
Physical Characteristics
The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium-sized blackbird that can reach a length of 8-11 inches and weighs around 1.5-2.7 ounces. Males have a glossy black plumage with distinctive red patches, or epaulets, on their shoulders, which they can puff up and display during courtship or territorial displays. Females, on the other hand, have a brownish-black plumage with streaks of white and a paler throat. Both males and females have long, pointed bills and yellow eyes.
Habitat and Range
Red-winged Blackbirds can be found throughout North America, including Virginia. They are commonly found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and lakes. They also inhabit agricultural fields, meadows, and grasslands. These adaptable birds can also be seen in urban areas nesting in cattails and reeds along roadside ditches.
Behavior and Diet
Red-winged Blackbirds are highly territorial during the breeding season, with males fiercely defending their nesting sites and females. They are known for their distinctive song, a series of loud, conk-a-ree notes, which males use to stake their claim and attract mates. Outside of the breeding season, they often gather in large flocks, sometimes mingling with other blackbird species.
Their diet primarily consists of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. They will also feed on seeds, berries, and nectar. Red-winged Blackbirds are skilled foragers and can be seen picking insects off plants or probing the ground with their bills. They have adapted well to human presence and are often seen foraging in agricultural fields or even visiting bird feeders.
European Starling
Physical Characteristics
The European Starling is a medium-sized songbird that measures around 7-8 inches in length and weighs approximately 2-3 ounces. Adults have a striking appearance, with glossy black feathers, speckled with white during the breeding season, and iridescent purple and green hues scattered across their plumage. In winter, the white speckling is less prominent. They have a short, squared-off tail and a moderately long, pointed bill.
Habitat and Range
Originally native to Europe, the European Starling was introduced to North America in the late 19th century. Since then, it has proliferated and become one of the most abundant birds on the continent, including Virginia. European Starlings are highly adaptable birds and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, farmland, grasslands, and woodlands.
Behavior and Diet
European Starlings are highly social birds, often forming large flocks that can number in the thousands. They are known for their synchronized and acrobatic flight patterns, creating mesmerizing displays in the sky. These birds are vocal and have a wide repertoire of calls and songs, which include mimicking other bird species.
In terms of diet, European Starlings are opportunistic omnivores. They feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, fruits, berries, seeds, and even small vertebrates. Their diet varies seasonally, with insects making up a larger portion during the breeding season, while fruits and seeds become more important during the colder months.
Brown-headed Cowbird
Physical Characteristics
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a unique blackbird species that displays sexual dimorphism. Males have glossy black plumage with a brown head and neck, from which they derive their name. They have a stout bill and a distinctive red iris. Females, on the other hand, have a grayish-brown plumage. Both males and females have a slightly shorter tail than other blackbird species.
Habitat and Range
Brown-headed Cowbirds are found throughout North America, including Virginia. They are highly adaptable birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from grasslands and agricultural fields to forests and urban areas. They are particularly attracted to open areas with nearby trees or shrubs, as these provide suitable locations for their unique breeding strategy.
Behavior and Diet
One of the most fascinating aspects of Brown-headed Cowbirds is their breeding behavior. Rather than building their own nests and raising their own young, they practice brood parasitism. Females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, such as songbirds. The host birds then unknowingly raise the cowbird chicks, often at the expense of their own offspring.
Brown-headed Cowbirds have a diverse diet, feeding on a wide range of food sources. They primarily consume seeds and grains, but they also eat insects, fruits, and berries. They are often seen foraging on the ground, where they use their strong bill to dig for food. In urban areas, they may also visit bird feeders.
Common Grackle
Physical Characteristics
The Common Grackle is a large blackbird species, measuring around 12-13 inches in length and weighing between 3-5 ounces. Males have iridescent black plumage with a blue or purple sheen, while females have a more subdued appearance with dark brown feathers. They have a long, keel-shaped tail, a thick bill, and bright yellow eyes. These birds also have yellow legs and feet.
Habitat and Range
Common Grackles have a widespread distribution across North America, including Virginia. They occupy a wide range of habitats, from woodlands and forests to urban areas, agricultural fields, and wetlands. They are often seen near bodies of water, such as ponds and marshes, where they forage for food.
Behavior and Diet
Common Grackles are highly opportunistic and resourceful birds. They have a varied diet and will eat just about anything they can find. Their diet consists of insects, small vertebrates, fruits, seeds, nuts, and even garbage. They are known to pry open garbage bags and scavenge for food in parking lots.
These birds are highly social and often form large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. During courtship, males display their plumage, puffing up their feathers and spreading their wings to attract females. They also have a repertoire of calls, including a distinctive “chack” sound.
Baltimore Oriole
Physical Characteristics
The Baltimore Oriole is a brightly colored blackbird species with a unique appearance. Males have a striking plumage consisting of bright orange feathers on their underparts and shoulders, contrasting with black on the head, back, and wings. Females, on the other hand, have a more subdued appearance with yellow-brown plumage and darker streaks. Both males and females have a long, pointed bill.
Habitat and Range
Baltimore Orioles can be found in eastern North America, including Virginia. They prefer open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian areas with tall, deciduous trees. They are more commonly seen during the breeding season in these habitats but may also visit suburban gardens and parks.
Behavior and Diet
Baltimore Orioles are known for their beautiful song, a series of clear, flutelike whistles that can be heard from a distance. Males sing to defend their territory and attract mates. Outside of the breeding season, they are more solitary birds that can be seen foraging alone or in small family groups.
Their diet primarily consists of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders. They also feed on nectar and fruit. Baltimore Orioles have a unique feeding technique called “gaping,” where they use their sharp beak to pierce the base of flowers to access nectar. They also consume fruit juices by peeling back the skin of ripe fruit.
Orchard Oriole
Physical Characteristics
The Orchard Oriole is a smaller blackbird species, measuring around 6-7 inches in length and weighing approximately 0.6-0.9 ounces. Males have a bright red plumage on their breast and belly, contrasting with black on the head, back, and wings. Females, on the other hand, have a more olive-green coloration overall, with a yellowish throat and belly. Both males and females have a slightly downcurved bill.
Habitat and Range
Orchard Orioles can be found in eastern North America, including Virginia. They prefer open woodlands, orchards, meadows, and parks with scattered trees and shrubs. They are often seen nesting in apple trees or willows, hence their name. These birds migrate to Central America and northern South America during the winter months.
Behavior and Diet
Like other blackbird species, male Orchard Orioles sing to attract mates and establish territories. They have a varied repertoire of songs and calls, including a sweet, whistling song. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season and defend their nesting sites against other males.
Their diet consists primarily of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. However, they also feed on nectar, fruit, and flower buds. Orchard Orioles have a unique feeding technique known as “gleaning,” where they pluck insects from vegetation or capture them in mid-air.
Rusty Blackbird
Physical Characteristics
The Rusty Blackbird is a medium-sized blackbird species, measuring around 8-9 inches in length and weighing approximately 1-2 ounces. Both males and females have a predominantly black plumage, but adult males have rusty-brown edgings on their feathers that give them a mottled appearance. Immature Rusty Blackbirds have a streaked appearance with buff and brown feathers. They have a relatively short tail and a slender bill.
Habitat and Range
Rusty Blackbirds breed in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, but they can also be found during migration and winter in the eastern and southern parts of the United States, including Virginia. They prefer wetland habitats, such as swamps, bogs, and marshes, as well as wooded areas near water bodies.
Behavior and Diet
Rusty Blackbirds are typically heard before they are seen, as they have a distinctive, raspy call that sounds like a rusty hinge. They are often seen foraging on the ground, where they probe the soil and leaf litter with their bill to find insects and invertebrates. They also eat seeds and berries, particularly during the winter months when insects are scarce.
The population of Rusty Blackbirds has experienced a significant decline in recent decades, likely due to habitat loss and pesticide use. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their breeding habitats and promote their conservation.
Boat-tailed Grackle
Physical Characteristics
The Boat-tailed Grackle is a large blackbird species with a distinctive appearance. Males have glossy black plumage, a long, V-shaped tail, and a long, thick bill. They also have bright yellow eyes. Females, on the other hand, have a more subdued coloration with dark brown feathers and streaks. Both males and females have long legs and a slightly hunchbacked appearance.
Habitat and Range
Boat-tailed Grackles are primarily found along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, including Virginia. They inhabit a variety of coastal habitats, including saltmarshes, tidal flats, and brackish wetlands. They can also be seen in urban areas near water bodies.
Behavior and Diet
Boat-tailed Grackles are highly vocal birds, known for their loud, nasal calls and rattling songs. Males often sing from prominent perches, such as the tops of trees or utility wires, to attract mates and establish territories. They are also known for their elaborate courtship displays, where they puff up their feathers and extend their wings and tail.
In terms of diet, Boat-tailed Grackles are omnivorous. They eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, small fish, crustaceans, seeds, berries, and garbage. They are opportunistic foragers and will scavenge for food in both natural and urban environments.
In conclusion, blackbirds are a diverse group of birds found in Virginia, with each species having its own set of physical characteristics, habitat preferences, and feeding behaviors. From the Red-winged Blackbird with its vibrant red epaulets to the Boat-tailed Grackle with its distinctive long tail, these blackbirds contribute to the avian diversity and ecological balance of the state. Whether they are nesting in wetlands, foraging for insects, or opportunistically scavenging for food, these blackbirds are a fascinating and important part of Virginia’s natural heritage.