An uncommon n. blackbird of wooded, swampy areas. In winter and on migration, usually forms single-species flocks that can be seen sitting in the tops of trees, suddenly dropping en masse into wet woods to quietly snout around under leaves for food. In flight, distinctively slim and well-balanced proportions with narrow wings and rounded tail, nipped in at base. Distinctive ‘chup’ call. Song: the thinnest and scratchiest of the blackbirds. ID: Structure and behavior usually draw attention. Yellow eye (appears white) in all plumages. Shape like BRBL with slightly larger neck and head, subtly narrower-based bill. Differing behavior and habitat is usually key. Ad ♂ br: glossy blue-green with purple head. Ad ♂ nonbr: patchy appearance with a hodge-podge of brown and black feathers and with rusty fringes to wings (including tertials, never on BRBL). Ad ♀ br: uniform dull brown with dark mask and pale iris. ♀/imm: very difficult to age and sex. Overall warm brown, brightest on fringes to wing feathers; gray tail and rump. Dark mask emphasizes pale iris, supercilium and throat, giving slightly sinister look.