Bird

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

Also known as Tricolor Blackbird

Tricolored blackbirds form the densest breeding colonies of any North American landbird, gathering by the tens of thousands in freshwater marshes and grain fields. Males display glossy black plumage with intense red epaulets edged in bright white, singing nasal, buzzing songs to attract mates. Rapid agricultural harvesting and habitat loss have severely impacted these highly social songbirds across their restricted Pacific coast range.

ColonialSongbird

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EndangeredConservation status

Key facts

Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Beetles, Caterpillars

Predators

Coyotes
Northern Harriers
Black-crowned Night-Herons

ThreatsHabitat loss, nesting disruption from crop harvesting, and pesticides

HabitatsFreshwater marshes, grasslands, and agricultural fields

Life span5–10 years

Classification

FamilyIcteridae
SpeciesAgelaius tricolor

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice: Recognized by glossy black plumage and dark red shoulder patches trimmed with a distinct white margin.
Support conservation: Maintain a wide distance from nesting colonies in farmland or wetlands to prevent colony abandonment.

Responsible observation

Viewing Colonies: Keep a respectful distance from nesting colonies to avoid causing mass flushing of adult birds.
Identification Cue: Look for the crisp white border along the bright red shoulder patch of breeding males.
Listen for Calls: Distinguish them from Red-winged Blackbirds by their nasal, lower-pitched, harsh song.

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