The tricolored blackbird is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae. Its range is limited to the coastal areas of the Pacific coast of North America, from Northern California in the U.S., to upper Baja California in Mexico.
Region
Pacific Coast of North America
Typical Environment
Primarily found in California, with smaller numbers historically in southern Oregon and northern Baja California, Mexico. It breeds colonially in dense emergent wetlands with cattails and bulrush, and also in Himalayan blackberry thickets and certain grain and silage crops. In nonbreeding seasons it forages across open agricultural lands, pastures, and wetland margins. Large post-breeding flocks move within the Central Valley and coastal lowlands. Conservation lands and managed wetlands have become increasingly important refuges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The tricolored blackbird is famous for forming some of the largest breeding colonies of any North American landbird, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. Males show striking red shoulder patches bordered by white, while females are brown and heavily streaked. Once abundant in California’s Central Valley, the species has declined due to habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wetlands and managing agricultural fields used for nesting.
The tricolored blackbird breeds in large colonies such as this one in western Antelope Valley, California.
Temperament
highly social and colonial
Flight Pattern
direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Breeds in dense colonies that can contain thousands of nests packed closely together. Nests are built over water or in thorny shrubs, often with synchronized breeding. Polygynous mating occurs, and colonies may shift locations between years depending on habitat quality. Outside breeding, birds form large foraging flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male’s song is a buzzy, wheezy series of notes, less musical than many other blackbirds. Calls include sharp check and harsh rasping notes used in colony communication. Vocal activity is intense at colonies, especially at dawn and early morning.
Plumage
Males are glossy black with bold red shoulder patches edged in white; females are dark brown, heavily streaked, with a pale eyebrow and mottled underparts.
Diet
Feeds on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, especially during the breeding season to provision nestlings. Also consumes seeds and grains, including rice and triticale, and occasionally small fruits. Foraging is typically on the ground or low vegetation in open habitats. Large flocks may follow agricultural activity to exploit spilled grain and invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Open agricultural fields, pastures, dairy operations, harvested fields, and wetland edges. Often forages near breeding colonies to minimize travel time when feeding young.
