Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) - Special Concern

The Rusty Blackbird is a medium-sized songbird that ranges from 21 to 25 centimetres in size. Both sexes have pale yellow eyes and a slender black bill. During the breeding season, males are dark black with a faint green and purple gloss, and females are brownish grey. In the winter, both sexes are more rust-coloured.

Canadian Population: 4.4 million

Threats to this Species: Threats to its breeding habitat in Ontario include the negative impacts of climate change and industrial landscape-level activities on forest and wetland habitats.

Fun Fact: The Rusty Blackbird feeds mostly on insects and plant matter, but it sometimes attacks and eats other birds. It has been documented feeding on sparrows, robins, and snipe, among others.

Want to learn more about local bird species? Visit Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory's website for more info!

Want to learn more about birds across Canada? Visit the Birds Canada website for more info!

Species descriptions are from the Species at Risk in Ontario website.