Brewer's Blackbird Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  A small, fairly long-legged songbird with the well-proportioned look of many blackbirds: the fairly long tail is balanced by a full body, round head, and long, thick-based beak. In perching males, the tail appears widened and rounded toward the tip.

  Relative Size

  About the size of a Red-winged Blackbird.

  robin-sized

  Measurements

  • Male
  • • Length: 8.3-9.8 in (21-25 cm)
    • Weight: 2.1-3.0 oz (60-86 g)
    • Wingspan: 14.6 in (37 cm)
  • Female
  • • Length: 7.9-8.7 in (20-22 cm)
    • Weight: 1.8-2.4 oz (50-67 g)
    • Wingspan: 14.6 in (37 cm)

• Color Pattern

  Males are glossy black all over with a staring yellow eye and a blue sheen on the head grading to greenish iridescence on the body. Females are plainer brown, darkest on the wings and tail, with a dark eye. Immature birds look like washed out, lighter-brown versions of the females.

• Behavior

  Brewer’s Blackbirds feed on open ground or underfoot in parks and busy streets. Their long legs give them a halting walk, head jerking with each step almost like a chicken’s. In flocks, Brewer’s Blackbirds rise and fall as they fly. At landing, birds may circle in a slow fluttering flight before settling.

• Habitat

  Look for Brewer’s Blackbirds in open habitats of the West, such as coastal scrub, grasslands, riversides, meadows, as well as lawns, golf courses, parks, and city streets.