Rusty Blackbird

Distribution and Migration

Rusty Blackbird from CornellThe Rusty Blackbird as a medium-sized blackbird whose breeding range spans the continent of North America from Alaska to Newfoundland. The northernmost extent of this breeding range is the tree line. These migratory birds winter in the southeastern US, especially the lower Mississippi Valley and the southeastern Coastal Plain.

During migration between their wintering and breeding grounds Rusty Blackbird often join mixed flocks with hundreds of other birds. These flocks can include other species such as Brewer’s Blackbirds,Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, American Robins, European Starlings, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Blue Jays.

The Rusty Blackbird International Working Group is conducting research to determine what wintering and migration stopover areas are most crucial to this species.

 

Breeding and Life History 

Rusty Blackbirds are one of the earliest migratory species to arrive on their breeding grounds in March-April to form pairs to establish territories. Territories are large, ranging from 4 to 172 ha. This species has high site fidelity, meaning a high proportion birds return the the same site every year to breed, build their nests, and raise their young. Up to 70% of the Rusty Blackbird population nests in Canada.

Females are solely responsible for nest building. Nests are cup-shaped and often found in short coniferous trees (especially Black Spruce in eastern Canada) within 3 m of the ground. Females lay 3-5 speckled pale blue eggs around mid-May which are incubated for approximately two weeks. After 10-12 days of growth the young leave the nest.

Rusty Blackbirds remain on their breeding grounds until the fall, generally not arriving on their US wintering grounds until November or December. Thus, this species spends a large proportion of its annual cycle on its breeding grounds.

Rusty Blackbird annual cycle (above), nest with eggs (below)

Learn More

Learn more about Rusty Blackbirds: International Rusty Blackbird Working Group, Cornell Lab or Ornithology, Audubon Society, Boreal Songbird Initiative

Learn more about Rusty Blackbird recovery in Canada: Species at Risk Act Public Registry, Management Plan for the Rusty Blackbird in Canada 

Learn more about Rusty Blackbird recovery in Atlantic Canada: SAR Guide for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador SAR,