California is home to a wide variety of blackbirds, including the Tricolored Blackbird, the Red-winged Blackbird, the Brewer’s Blackbird, and the Common Grackle. These birds are found in a variety of habitats, from wetlands to agricultural fields to urban parks.
Black birds in California are social birds, and they often gather in large flocks. They are also noisy birds, and their calls can be heard throughout the day.
Blackbirds are an important part of the California ecosystem. They help to control insect populations, and they are also a food source for other animals, such as hawks and owls.
Contents
- 1 Black Birds in California
- 1.1 1. Red-Winged Blackbird
- 1.2 2. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris):
- 1.3 3. Yellow-Headed Blackbird
- 1.4 4. Brown-Headed Cowbird
- 1.5 5. Brewer’s Blackbird
- 1.6 6. Tricolored Blackbird
- 1.7 7. Western Meadowlark
- 1.8 8. Eastern Meadowlark
- 1.9 9. American Crow
- 1.10 10. Hooded Oriole
- 1.11 11. Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus):
- 1.12 12. Bullock’s Oriole
- 1.13 13. Scott’s Oriole (Icterus variorum):
- 1.14 14. Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius):
- 1.15 15. Bobolink
- 1.16 16. Baltimore Oriole
- 1.17 17. Rusty Blackbird
- 1.18 18. Bronzed Cowbird
- 1.19 19. Streak-backed Oriole
- 2 How to Attract Black Birds in California?
- 3 FAQ:
- 3.1 Q1. What are the black birds in California called?
- 3.2 Q2. What is the loud blackbird in California?
- 3.3 Q3. What kind of bird is black with a long tail in Southern California?
- 3.4 Q4. What is a small black bird with a brown head in California?
- 3.5 Q5. What birds have a black head in Southern California?
- 4 Conclusion
Black Birds in California
California has many different types of blackbirds, from the special Tricolored Blackbird to sugar-loving orioles and friendly grackles found in cities.
These social birds are fun to watch while birding or at bird feeders. Enjoy their behavior, and have a great time birding!
- Red-Winged Blackbird
- European Starling
- Yellow-Headed Blackbird
- Brown-Headed Cowbird
- Brewer’s Blackbird
- Tricolored Blackbird
- Western Meadowlark
- Eastern Meadowlark
- American Crow
- Hooded Oriole
- Great-Tailed Grackle
- Bullock’s Oriole
- Scott’s Oriole
- Orchard Oriole
- Bobolink
- Baltimore Oriole
- Rusty Blackbird
- Bronzed Cowbird
- Streak-backed Oriole
Let’s dive into their appearance, habitat, diet, behaviors, colors, how to attract them, etc.
More: 17 Blue Birds in California
1. Red-Winged Blackbird
Adult male Red-Winged Blackbirds have glossy black plumage with red and yellow shoulder patches. Females are mainly brown with streaks and have whitish eyebrows.
Red-Winged Blackbirds are commonly found in marshes, wetlands, and areas with tall grasses near water sources such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from March to July.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
Red-Winged Blackbirds primarily feed on insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, but they also consume seeds and grains.
These birds are known for their loud and distinctive “conk-la-ree” song. Males are territorial and will defend their nesting sites from intruders.
Adult male Red-Winged Blackbirds have a stocky build with a pointed bill. They have a red and yellow patch on their shoulders, while females have a more subdued coloration with streaks.
You can attract Red-Winged Blackbirds to your backyard by providing suitable habitat.
Consider having a birdbath or shallow water source, along with dense vegetation or tall grasses where they can nest and hide.
2. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris):
Adult European Starlings have iridescent black plumage with scattered white spots. During the breeding season, they develop glossy iridescent purple and green tones.
European Starlings are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, farms, grasslands, and woodlands.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from late February to July.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
European Starlings have an omnivorous diet that includes insects, fruits, seeds, and human food scraps.
These birds are known for their impressive mimicry, able to imitate various sounds and even the songs of other bird species. They are highly social and often seen in large flocks.
European Starlings have a medium-sized stocky build with a short tail and a sharp, pointed bill. Their plumage appears black from a distance but is iridescent and colorful up close.
Providing suet feeders and bird feeders with a variety of seeds and nuts can attract European Starlings to your backyard. However, be cautious, as they can be aggressive towards other bird species and may dominate feeders.
3. Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Male Yellow-Headed Blackbirds have a striking appearance with bright yellow heads, black bodies, and white wing patches. Females are more subdued, with brownish-black plumage.
Yellow-Headed Blackbirds inhabit wetlands, marshes, and areas with tall, dense vegetation near water bodies.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from April to July.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and grains.
Yellow-Headed Blackbirds are known for their territorial behavior, especially during the breeding season. Males display their bright yellow head feathers to attract females.
The most distinctive feature of the Yellow-Headed Blackbird is its vibrant yellow head, contrasting with the black body and white wing patches.
To attract Yellow-Headed Blackbirds, create a bird-friendly habitat with wetlands or a nearby water source, along with dense vegetation for nesting and protection.
4. Brown-Headed Cowbird
Male Brown-Headed Cowbirds have glossy black plumage with a brown head. Females are mostly brown with lighter underparts.
Brown-Headed Cowbirds are common in a wide range of habitats, including open fields, pastures, woodlands, and urban areas.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from April to August.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
Brown-Headed Cowbirds primarily feed on seeds and insects, and they have a unique nesting strategy known as brood parasitism. Females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the host birds to raise their young.
Brown-Headed Cowbirds are often seen foraging on the ground, where they search for insects and seeds.
Their parasitic nesting behavior can have both positive and negative impacts on other bird species, as they may harm the host bird’s offspring while benefiting from the host’s parenting efforts.
Brown-Headed Cowbirds are medium-sized birds with a stocky build. Males have a distinctive brown head, while females have a plain brown appearance.
5. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s Blackbirds have glossy black plumage, and the male has a distinctive iridescent blue or purple head.
They are commonly found in open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and urban areas.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from April to July.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
Brewer’s Blackbirds have an omnivorous diet that includes insects, seeds, grains, and human food scraps.
These birds are often seen foraging on the ground or perched in flocks on trees or utility lines. They are social birds and can form large flocks, especially during the non-breeding season.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are medium-sized birds with a sleek black appearance. Males have a striking blue or purple iridescence on their heads and throat.
6. Tricolored Blackbird
Male Tricolored Blackbirds have mostly black plumage with a distinctive red patch on their shoulder and a white wing patch.
Females have a more subdued coloration with brownish-black and lighter underparts.
Tricolored Blackbirds are often found in wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from April to July.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
Tricolored Blackbirds primarily feed on seeds and insects.
Tricolored Blackbirds are colonial nesters, often nesting in large colonies. They have specific nesting site preferences and are dependent on suitable wetland habitats.
Tricolored Blackbirds are medium-sized birds with black plumage, a red shoulder patch, and a white wing patch.
7. Western Meadowlark
Western Meadowlarks have a bright yellow underbelly with brown and black streaks on the back and a distinctive black “V” on the chest.
They are commonly found in grasslands, prairies, and open fields.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from April to July.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
Western Meadowlarks primarily feed on insects during the breeding season and switch to seeds and grains during the non-breeding season.
These birds are known for their beautiful, melodious songs. They forage on the ground and nest on the ground in a hidden depression, well-concealed by vegetation.
Western Meadowlarks have a stocky build with a long, pointed bill. They have a bright yellow underbelly with distinctive black and brown streaks on the upper parts.
8. Eastern Meadowlark
Eastern Meadowlarks have a bright yellow underbelly with black streaks on the sides and a bold black “V” on the chest.
They are commonly found in grasslands, pastures, and open fields in eastern North America.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from April to July.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
Eastern Meadowlarks primarily feed on insects, seeds, and grains.
Similar to Western Meadowlark, Eastern Meadowlarks are known for their beautiful and melodious songs. They forage on the ground and nest on the ground, hidden in grassy areas.
Eastern Meadowlarks have a similar appearance to Western Meadowlarks, with a bright yellow underbelly and bold black “V” on the chest.
9. American Crow
American Crows have glossy black plumage. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, urban areas, and agricultural fields.
Breeding Seasons: They typically breed from March to May.
Summer Season in California: The summer season in California runs from June to September.
Winter Season in California: The winter season in California runs from December to February.
American Crows have an omnivorous diet that includes insects, small animals, fruits, seeds, and human food scraps.
American Crows are highly intelligent and social birds. They often form large, noisy flocks and are known for their problem-solving abilities.
American Crows are medium to large-sized birds with a robust build and a distinctive fan-shaped tail when in flight. They have all-black plumage.
10. Hooded Oriole
Males have bright yellow plumage with a black throat and face, while females are duller yellow with olive-brown wings and back.
Hooded orioles can be found in open woodlands, gardens, parks, and urban areas with palm trees, as they often build their nests in palm fronds.
Breeding Seasons: Breeding typically occurs from April to August.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: In California, summers are typically warm and dry, while winters are milder and wetter.
Hooded orioles primarily feed on nectar, insects, and fruits.
These orioles are known for their acrobatic flight and are often seen hovering near flowers to feed on nectar. They also weave intricate hanging nests.
Hooded orioles are medium-sized birds with a length of about 7-8 inches (18-20 cm).
11. Great-Tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus):
Male great-tailed grackles have glossy black plumage with a long, keel-shaped tail, while females are duller with brownish-black feathers.
They can be found in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, farmlands, and marshes.
Breeding Seasons: Breeding occurs from March to August.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: California experiences warm and dry summers, while winters are milder and wetter.
Great-tailed grackles are omnivores and have a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, fruits, and human food scraps.
These grackles are known for their gregarious nature and can often be seen in large, noisy flocks.
Adult male great-tailed grackles are about 16-18 inches (40-46 cm) long, including their long tail.
12. Bullock’s Oriole
Male Bullock orioles have bright orange plumage on their underparts, face, and rump, with a black crown and wings.
Females are paler with olive-gray upperparts and yellowish underparts.
They inhabit open woodlands, riparian areas, and parks.
Breeding Seasons: Breeding occurs from May to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: Summers in California are warm and dry, while winters are milder and wetter.
Bullock’s orioles mainly feed on insects, nectar, and fruits.
These orioles are skilled nest builders, weaving pendulous nests from plant fibers and hanging them from tree branches.
Bullock’s orioles are medium-sized birds, measuring about 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) in length.
13. Scott’s Oriole (Icterus variorum):
Male Scott’s orioles have bright yellow underparts, faces, and rump, with black wings and a black bib. Females are similar but slightly duller.
Scott’s orioles are commonly found in desert scrublands, canyons, and arid regions.
Breeding Seasons: Breeding typically occurs from April to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: California experiences warm and dry summers, while winters are milder and wetter.
Scott’s orioles primarily feed on insects, nectar, and fruits.
These orioles are skilled singers and are known for their beautiful, flute-like calls. They construct hanging nests in trees or cacti.
Scott’s orioles are similar in size to Bullock’s orioles, measuring about 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) in length.
14. Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius):
Male Orchard orioles have a chestnut body with black wings, tails, and faces. Females are olive-green above and yellowish below.
Orchard orioles can be found in open woodlands, orchards, and gardens.
Breeding Seasons: Breeding typically occurs from May to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: California experiences warm and dry summers, while winters are milder and wetter.
Orchard orioles mainly feed on insects, nectar, and fruits.
These orioles are less gregarious compared to other oriole species and are often seen in pairs or small family groups.
Orchard orioles are smaller than the previous oriole species, measuring about 6-7 inches (15-18 cm) in length.
15. Bobolink
Males have a black head and back with white wings and a yellowish underbelly during the breeding season. Females are more subdued with brownish and buff colors.
Bobolink is Found in grasslands, meadows, and hayfields during the breeding season. In winter, they migrate to South America.
Breeding Seasons: May to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: In California, summers are warm and dry, while winters are milder and wetter.
Bobolinks primarily feed on insects during the breeding season but switch to seeds during migration and winter.
16. Baltimore Oriole
Bright orange with black on the head and wings (males), pale orange-yellow with grayish-olive wings (females).
Baltimore Oriole is found in open woodlands, parks, and gardens with tall trees.
Breeding Seasons: May to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: Warm and dry summers, mild and wet winters.
Baltimore orioles primarily feed on nectar, insects, and fruits.
17. Rusty Blackbird
Glossy black with rusty edges on their feathers, especially during the breeding season.
Found in wet woodlands, bogs, and swamps during the breeding season. They migrate to the southeastern United States in winter.
Breeding Seasons: April to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: Summers are warm and dry, while winters are milder and wetter.
Rusty blackbirds mainly feed on insects, earthworms, and berries.
18. Bronzed Cowbird
Glossy blackish-brown with a brown head and bronzy iridescence.
Found in open areas, including grasslands, pastures, and agricultural fields.
Breeding Seasons: May to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: Warm and dry summers, mild and wet winters.
Bronzed cowbirds feed on seeds, grains, insects, and small vertebrates.
19. Streak-backed Oriole
Colors: Bright yellow with black streaks on the back and wings (males), duller yellow with streaks (females).
Streak-backed Oriole is found in desert regions, including arid grasslands and cacti habitats.
Breeding Seasons: April to July.
Summer and Winter Seasons in California: Warm and dry summers, mild and wet winters.
Streak-backed orioles primarily feed on nectar, insects, and fruits.
How to Attract Black Birds in California?
To attract black birds in California:
- Food: Offer seeds, nuts, fruits, and nectar in bird feeders.
- Water: Provide a birdbath or shallow pond for drinking and bathing.
- Shelter: Plant trees and shrubs for nesting and resting spots.
- Avoid Chemicals: Don’t use harmful chemicals in your yard.
- Be Patient: It may take time for them to discover your yard.
- Variety: Use different feeders to attract various blackbird species.
By following these steps, you can welcome blackbirds to your yard and enjoy watching their activities!
These blackbird species add diversity and beauty to California’s avian population. To attract them, provide suitable habitats with food sources such as nectar, insects, and fruits.
You can also consider setting up bird feeders and bird baths, as well as avoiding the use of harmful chemicals in your yard to support a healthy environment for these birds.
FAQ:
Q1. What are the black birds in California called?
Here are some of the black birds in California, in under 20 words:
Red-winged blackbirds
Brewer’s blackbirds
Tricolored blackbirds
Common grackles
Orioles
These are just a few of the many blackbirds that can be found in California.
Q2. What is the loud blackbird in California?
The loud blackbird in California is the Common Grackle. It is a large blackbird with a loud, raspy call. Grackles are often seen in urban areas, where they can be a nuisance with their noise.
Q3. What kind of bird is black with a long tail in Southern California?
The bird you are describing is most likely a Great-tailed Grackle. It is a large blackbird with a long, keeled tail. Great-tailed Grackles are common in Southern California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, marshes, and urban areas.
Q4. What is a small black bird with a brown head in California?
The bird you are describing is most likely a Brown-headed Cowbird. It is a small blackbird with a brown head and a short tail. Brown-headed Cowbirds are common in California and can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and forest edges.
Q5. What birds have a black head in Southern California?
Here are some of the birds that have a black head in Southern California, in under 20 words without images:
American robin
Black phoebe
Brown-headed cowbird
Dark-eyed junco
Tricolored blackbird
These are just a few of the many birds that can be found in Southern California with black heads.
Conclusion
Blackbirds are an important part of the California ecosystem. They play a role in controlling insect populations and spreading seeds. They are also a source of food for other animals, such as hawks and owls. If you live in California, you are likely to see blackbirds in your backyard or at your local park. Take some time to learn about these fascinating birds and appreciate their beauty and importance.