Yellow-Headed Blackbird
Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Also known as: Xanthocephalus Xanthocephalus, Yellow-Headed Troopial
About This Species
Breeds in dense marshes with tall emergent vegetation such as cattails and bulrushes across western and central North America, where males give a harsh, grating song from prominent perches while defending territory. The male's bright yellow head and black body make it easy to pick out among reedbeds. Spring and early summer, during the breeding season, offer the best chance of seeing displaying males, while flocks gather in open fields outside the breeding season.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Viewing from a boardwalk, trail or vehicle at 20-30 metres avoids disturbing nesting colonies in dense marsh vegetation, which can be difficult to access without damaging habitat or flushing incubating birds.
- It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US and Canada, and under similar wildlife law in Mexico where it also occurs, so disturbing nests or colonies should be avoided.
- Staying on established paths around marshes protects both the birds and the wetland vegetation they depend on.
LCAvesPasseriformesIcteridae
Seasonal Activity
799,373 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
Photo
(c) John D Reynolds, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by John D Reynolds
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.