What is that bird?

A common question every spring has been, “What is that yellow headed black bird at the feeder?” We are always happy to answer, “A Yellow-headed Blackbird.” They are large beautiful birds with a striking yellow head that contrasts with a black body. We are fortunate that they are frequent visitors to the feeders at Marsh Haven Nature Center. 

The Yellow-headed Blackbird is very distinct and not easily confused with other birds. The mature males have the yellow head and chest and white wing patches that are easier to see while in flight. The immature males and females are more brown than black with a dull yellow head, and the females do not have the white wing bars. 

As beautiful as these birds are, their call or song is quite harsh, sounding similar to the opening of a rusty gate. Just this week, one of our dedicated volunteers was out cleaning and filling the bird feeders. We were chatting and two Yellow-headed Blackbirds were up in the tree creaking away as if demanding that we get a move on filling those feeders. That call is very distinct and can be easily picked out among the many other bird songs.

I read that the female Yellow-headed Blackbird will build her nest directly over water, weaving wet strands of aquatic vegetation around reeds and grasses. The nest measures about five to six inches across and the inside is about three inches wide. That wet material dries, which then makes the nest tight and strong. Because the nest is over the water, sometimes the young will fall in and they need to swim to shore. This makes sense, because I’ve observed that the Yellow-headed Blackbirds are one of the few bird species to still be at the feeders during an all-day or even heavy rain. They certainly do not seem to mind getting wet. I’ve seen raindrops rolling off their heads as they feed.

It is said that the males are very territorial, protecting their area and attracting up to eight females during the breeding season. During their visits to the feeders at Marsh Haven, they seem to have nothing but eating on their minds, because I have witnessed up to ten males at one feeder all at the same time. Very little squabbling goes on, occasionally they will chase a Red-winged Blackbird out of the way. They are ravenous eaters and enjoy the donated Kaytee Wild Bird Blend. They eat out of our hanging feeders, the large bunk feeder, off the ground, and I’ve even seen a few attempt to perch on a small hanging window feeder.

The excellent online resource, Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds, states that Yellow-headed Blackbirds breed in freshwater wetlands with dense vegetation such as cattails, in prairies, mountain meadows, quaking aspen parklands, and shallow areas of marshes, ponds, and rivers. They often forage in fields, but during the breeding season, they eat insects and aquatic invertebrates. 

The female Yellow-headed Blackbird will lay three to five eggs and it will take about 11-13 days to hatch. They generally have one brood per season. While the male may breed with numerous females, he may only help feed the first nest established in his territory. The other females have to feed their young all by themselves.

In the winter the Yellow-headed Blackbirds form large flocks, some numbering in the thousands. These large groupings may also include other members of the blackbird family. They will forage in farm fields and farmyards throughout the southwest and most of Mexico. The females tend to travel further south, while the males can be found in the northernmost part of their winter territory. 

While the experts say that the population of the Yellow-headed Blackbird is stable and quite plentiful, I have witnessed many visitors seeing this beautiful bird for the very first time in their life. I so enjoy being part of their surprise and excitement as they discover this beautiful yellow headed black bird at Marsh Haven Nature Center.

Reprinted from Summer 2015 Marsh Haven Monarch
Photos by Bree Tillema