The yellow-winged blackbird is a species of bird in the family Icteridae. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.
Region
Southern South America and central Andes
Typical Environment
Found in marshes, reedbeds, lake edges, and flooded grasslands from southern Brazil and Paraguay through Uruguay and much of Argentina, extending into central Chile and high Andean wetlands of Bolivia and Peru. Frequently occupies cattail and bulrush stands, as well as man-made habitats like rice paddies and irrigation ditches. Uses dense emergent vegetation for cover and nesting, often near still or slow-moving water. May disperse locally with water levels and seasonal habitat changes.
Altitude Range
0–4000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The yellow-winged blackbird is a wetland icterid noted for the male’s striking yellow shoulder patches that flash in flight. It inhabits marshes, reedbeds, and rice fields across southern and western South America. It often nests colonially, weaving cup nests among dense reeds over shallow water.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with direct, low flights over reeds
Social Behavior
Often forms small to medium flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other marsh icterids. Breeds in loose colonies, placing woven cup nests low in dense reeds over water. Both sexes defend nest areas, and adults are attentive to fledglings in nearby cover.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a buzzy, wheezy series of notes with metallic quality, delivered from reed tops. Calls include harsh chacks and thin, squeaky notes used to keep contact within flocks.
