Bird Description

Common in summer in Midwest marshes. Feeds in nearby farm fields and cattle feed pens. Scarce elsewhere throughout year, particularly Aug/Sep, when often with other blackbirds. Reedbeds usually hold several pairs. ? tends to sit low while ? sings from top of reed, displaying its flamboyant plumage. ? frequently swaps perches flashing its white wing patches. ID: A large sturdy blackbird; ? is smaller. The only blackbird with a yellow throat. Ad ?: striking yellow head, black body with white primary coverts. Ad ?: duller than ?, yellow mixes with brown on head. Lacks white on primary coverts. Imm ?: aged by white-edged primary coverts. Similar to ad ?: but larger, with darker lores and more extensive yellow. Imm ?: duller overall. Juv: plumage held briefly.