The unicolored blackbird is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. Found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay, its natural habitat is swamps and nearby grassland. It is a fairly common bird and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it a "least-concern species".
Region
South America
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland wetlands of central and eastern South America, especially in the Pantanal, Chaco, and adjacent river basins. Prefers freshwater marshes, swamps, and wet grasslands with dense emergent vegetation such as reeds and sedges. Frequently uses floating mats of aquatic plants and will forage along the margins of ponds, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Also adapts to human-altered wetlands like rice fields and drainage ditches.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This marsh-dwelling icterid is closely tied to wetlands and is often seen clinging to reeds or floating vegetation. Its common name refers to the male’s uniform glossy-black plumage, lacking the bright shoulder patches of some relatives. Females are browner and more subtly marked, which helps them blend into reedbeds. It is fairly common across its range and assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Male
Female
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, flying low over marsh vegetation
Social Behavior
Often seen in small groups outside the breeding season, perching conspicuously on reeds. Pairs form during breeding, building cup nests low in dense marsh plants over water. Territorial displays include posturing and short song flights within reedbeds. Roosts communally in thicker vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short series of buzzy, metallic notes and whistles delivered from exposed perches in the marsh. Calls include sharp chips and dry churrs used for contact within groups.
Plumage
Male is uniformly glossy black with a slight bluish sheen; female is warm brown with slightly paler underparts and faint streaking, overall plain. Both sexes show smooth, close-fitting plumage suited to wetland vegetation.
Diet
Eats a mix of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates such as insects, larvae, and small mollusks, supplemented with seeds and grains. Will glean from reed stems, probe among floating vegetation, and pick prey from the water surface. Occasionally takes small fruits when available. Opportunistic feeding allows it to exploit seasonal wetland resources.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense emergent vegetation, on floating plant mats, and along muddy or vegetated margins of shallow water. Also uses flooded fields and rice paddies where similar structure is present.
