Yellow-headed blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

Identification Tips:

• Length: 8.5 inches
• Sharply-pointed bill
• Frequents marshy habitats in summer, open habitats at other times of year
• Often flocks with other species of blackbirds

Adult male:

• Bright yellow head and breast
• Black from eye to bill
• Black body, wings and tail
• White patch in wing

Adult female:

• Yellow supercilium, throat and breast-not as bright as male
• White streaks extend down breast
• Remainder of plumage gray-brown
• Juveniles similar to adult females

Similar species:

The male Yellow-headed Blackbird is diagnostic. Female Yellow-headed Blackbirds can be told from other species of blackbirds by the yellow throat and breast.

Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.