Brewer’s Blackbird

Identification

Brewer's blackbird is a medium-sized New World blackbird named after ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer. Adult males are strikingly handsome, with entirely black plumage punctuated by an iridescent purple head and neck, and glossy bluish-green highlights across the rest of the body. Their legs and feet are black, and their eyes are a distinctive bright yellow. Females are considerably duller, displaying brownish-grey plumage with only subtle hints of the male's iridescence, and their eyes are dark brown rather than yellow.

Brewer's blackbird can be confused with the rusty blackbird, its eastern relative, but Brewer's has a noticeably shorter bill and the male's iridescent purple head is unmistakable. It is also often mistaken for the common grackle, though Brewer's blackbird has a distinctly shorter tail. The species produces a sharp "check" call that is quite distinctive and helps separate it from similar species. This bird belongs to the family Troupials and Allies, placing it in a different family from the Eurasian blackbird.

Range & Habitat

Brewer's blackbirds breed across open and semi-open areas in central and western North America, often near water. They are remarkably adaptable birds and thrive in unexpected locations such as parking lots and around schools, demonstrating an impressive ability to acclimate to human presence. They occupy a remarkable range of elevations, from below sea level in Southern California to altitudes as high as 8,000 feet. These versatile birds survive in diverse environments including marshlands, forests, and grasslands.

In the west, many Brewer's blackbirds are permanent residents, though others migrate to the Southeastern United States and Mexico in spring. The species' range has been expanding eastward into the Great Lakes region, a expansion that began as recently as the 20th century, demonstrating this bird's ability to colonize new territories.

Behaviour & Diet

Brewer's blackbirds are highly social and often walk along the ground with characteristic jerking head motions. Outside the breeding season, they tend to flock together while foraging, and these flocks sometimes include other blackbird species. During the colder months, this gregarious behavior becomes especially pronounced. Interestingly, they have been observed cleverly following field-plowing vehicles to feed on the freshly churned insects.

These birds forage in shallow water and open fields, primarily eating seeds and insects, along with some berries. They occasionally catch insects in flight, and in marshy areas are known to stand on aquatic plants and wade in shallow water while hunting. Their diet is remarkably varied; some individuals have been recorded eating smaller mammals, amphibians, and even the nestlings of other birds. When threatened by hawks or humans, Brewer's blackbirds respond boldly, diving toward the threat and emitting alarm calls, sometimes even employing physical force against predators.

Best Time & Places to See It

Brewer's blackbirds are easiest to observe during the non-breeding season when they gather in flocks, often in parking lots, open fields, and areas near water. Look for them in open and semi-open habitats across western North America, where they are common and conspicuous. In the Great Lakes region and eastward, they represent a relatively newer arrival, making sightings in these areas particularly noteworthy.

During nesting season, birds become more dispersed and harder to locate as they adopt more independent foraging behaviors. However, colonial nesting sites—typically in treetops 20–40 feet high near water, or in reeds and freshwater vegetation—offer opportunities for observant birders willing to search suitable wetland and riparian habitats.

Photography Tips

The male's striking iridescent plumage is Brewer's blackbird's greatest photographic asset. Shoot in good natural light to capture the purple and bluish-green iridescence on the head, neck, and body—these colors are highly angle-dependent and will shift dramatically depending on light direction. Males' bright yellow eyes also provide excellent contrast and should be kept sharp and well-lit.

Females present a more subtle challenge due to their brownish-grey coloration, but patient photographers can capture diagnostic details like their dark brown eyes and overall form. Since these birds are comfortable around humans and often visit parking lots and open areas, they offer good opportunities for close approach. Photographing them while walking on the ground or wading in shallow water will capture characteristic behaviors, and flocking birds in winter provide chances for compelling group compositions.