The scarlet-headed blackbird is an icterid found in the South American wetlands.
Region
Southeastern South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Paraná–Paraguay river basin and adjacent lowlands, including northeastern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It inhabits freshwater marshes, swamps, oxbow lakes, and the margins of slow-moving rivers. The species is closely tied to tall emergent vegetation such as cattails (Typha) and bulrushes (Scirpus). It may also use rice fields and wet pastures when natural reedbeds are nearby. Generally avoids open water and heavily forested areas.
Altitude Range
0–800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This striking icterid stands out with a vivid scarlet head and chest contrasting sharply with a black body. It favors dense reedbeds where males often sing from exposed perches. Nests are typically woven and attached to sturdy marsh stems. Despite habitat loss in some areas, it remains widespread in suitable wetlands.
Temperament
conspicuous and territorial
Flight Pattern
direct flight with shallow, rapid wingbeats between reedbeds
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are woven cups attached to vertical marsh stems, placed above water for protection. Displays include singing from exposed perches and fluffing the scarlet plumage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of rich whistles and creaky, metallic notes delivered from prominent perches. Calls include harsh, rasping contact notes that carry well over marshes.
Plumage
Glossy black body with a uniformly scarlet head and chest, sharply demarcated from the black mantle and belly; females are duller with more brownish-black body and less intense orange-red on the head.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects and other invertebrates gleaned from reed stems and foliage. Also takes seeds and some plant material, and will occasionally exploit grains in nearby agricultural fields. Foraging is deliberate, probing and picking among dense emergent vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds within or along dense stands of cattails, bulrushes, and other emergent plants. Will edge along shallow water and floating mats to search for prey. Uses perches to scan and then drops into cover to forage.
