The scrub blackbird is a species of bird in the family Icteridae.
Region
Western Ecuador and northwestern Peru (Tumbesian region)
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical dry forests, thorn scrub, and semi-open country with scattered trees and shrubs. It readily uses edges of agriculture, hedgerows, and suburban gardens, especially near water sources and riparian thickets. The species is common in disturbed habitats and along roadsides, pastures, and fallow fields. It generally avoids dense, humid forest but will enter second-growth and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The scrub blackbird is a medium-sized icterid native to the dry lowlands of western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, often frequenting gardens, pastures, and field edges. Its rich whistles and harsh chatters carry far, and pairs are commonly seen foraging together in open scrub.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flier with steady wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground and in low vegetation. Breeding pairs maintain territories in scrubby habitat and place cup-shaped nests in shrubs or small trees. Outside the breeding season, loose flocks may form around food sources and open fields.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include rich, whistled phrases mixed with harsh chatters and grating notes. Songs are loud and varied, delivered from exposed perches such as fence posts or shrub tops.
Plumage
Uniform glossy black with a slight bluish sheen, more pronounced in good light; females are similar but can appear a bit duller.
Diet
Feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, as well as fruits, seeds, and occasional nectar from flowering shrubs. Forages by hopping on the ground, turning leaf litter, and gleaning from low branches. Will exploit human-altered areas for spilled grain and fruiting ornamental plants.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in open scrub, field margins, pastures, and along hedgerows and roadsides. It also uses garden edges and second-growth thickets where shrubs and small trees provide cover and fruit.
