W. species that decreases toward E. Found in open areas, parks, and gardens, particularly around livestock. A ground-dwelling blackbird that walks with a purpose, its nondescript plumage is easy to overlook. ID: Well-proportioned, much like RUBL but with subtly smaller head and broader-based bill. Ad ?: often appears black with bright yellow iris. A closer look shows beautiful glossy greens and blues and purple head. Ad ?: nondescript and uniform with cold gray/brown plumage, in some respects dipper-like. Most birds are slightly darker on wings. Brown iris appears black. No other blackbird is so uniform. 1st-w ?: variable but usually intermediate between ad ? and ad ?. Often shows contrasting dark around eye.