Yellow Headed Blackbird by Bluenorther
Bluenorther

Yellow Headed Blackbird by

This is the first sighting of this species for me. About 50 to 60 blackbirds came into the feeder area. The majority were Red Winged Blackbirds but there were a few of these guys. So lovely. There were also a couple of females but amid the flurry they were elusive and my shots were poor. They were also larger in body size then the Red Winged Blackbirds. This bird with it’s brilliant yellow head, together with its loud, rusty-hinge call, make the Yellow-headed Blackbird a conspicuous presence. It breeds in loose colonies and places its nest over water, attached to cattails and reeds. Taken on our acreage in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Canon Rebel XSI

*Adult Description

  • Large songbird.
  • Male unmistakable with black body and yellow head.

Male Description

Head, neck, and breast bright yellow. Body black. Black stripe in front of eye to bill. White patches in wing may be visible while perched, or hidden; conspicuous in flight.
Female Description

Body dull black and brown. Breast and throat pale yellow. Yellow on neck, face, and above eye. White streaking extending from yellow into brown lower chest*.

Featured in Songbirds Of North America June 28, 2009

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About Bluenorther

I am an amateur photographer from Sherwood Park, Alberta Canada.
Love scenery, wildlife and anything that catches my eye as being unique. Have a Canon Rebel XSI with a 100mm – 400mm Lens that allows me to gt some wonderful captures!

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Tags

yellow, blackbird, loud

Comments

  • paolo1955
    paolo1955about 3 years ago

    What a nice bird.Well done

  • Thank you Paolo. Your comment is appreciated. :>)) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • Blair Wainman
    Blair Wainmanabout 3 years ago

    Fantastic capture of a very beautiful bird!! Well done!!

  • Many thanks Blair. I appreciate you stopping in :>))) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • PrairieRose
    PrairieRoseabout 3 years ago

    Beautiful capture indeed Leslie………..
    not sure I’ve seen these beauties in my neck of the woods………….. :)))))

  • Thanks so much Rosie. The bird book says the a Provincial bird but I’ve never seen them until this year. We removed some trees to extend our yard and we’ve had many more birds this year (ie:never had 50 odd blackbirds at once before) Take care. Hugs Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • Scott  d' Almeida
    Scott d' Almeidaabout 3 years ago

    very well done,

  • Thanks ever so much Scott. :>)) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • Antanas
    Antanasabout 3 years ago

    great capture

  • Much appreciated Antanas.:>)) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • Cheryl Dunning
    Cheryl Dunningabout 3 years ago

    beautiful bird and shot..location?

  • Thank you and I’ve added the location. I appreciate the gentle reminder. :>)) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • Gene Praag
    Gene Praagabout 3 years ago

    He is a beauty, great capture!

  • Thanks very much. So appreciated. :>)) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • reflector
    reflectorabout 3 years ago

    A nice find and shot !

  • Thank you ever so much and for the fav:>)) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • Larry Trupp
    Larry Truppalmost 3 years ago

    He is a real beauty as well…inst fav as well

  • I appreciate you comment Larry and thanks for the fav. :>)) Leslie

    – Bluenorther

  • Larry Trupp
    Larry Truppalmost 3 years ago

  • Larry, Thank you so very much. What an honor to be in this first group. Sincerely Leslie

    – Bluenorther