Tawny-shouldered Blackbird

The Tawny-shouldered Blackbird, Agelaius humeralis, presents a striking figure with its entirely black plumage, interrupted only by a distinctive brown-orange patch at the shoulder. This patch, however, may sometimes be concealed when the bird's wings are folded.

Identification Tips

This species measures approximately 20 cm (7.9 in) in length. The key feature to look for is the tawny patch on the shoulder, which can be a helpful identifier, particularly when the bird is in flight or has its wings extended.

Habitat

The Tawny-shouldered Blackbird is known to inhabit subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, as well as pastureland. It can also be found in areas that have been heavily degraded from their original forest state.

Distribution

Native to Cuba and Hispaniola, which is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the Tawny-shouldered Blackbird occasionally appears as a vagrant in the United States, particularly in the Florida Keys.

Breeding

Breeding season for this species spans from April to August. During this time, they construct cup-shaped nests lined with soft materials within trees. The nests will typically contain 3 to 4 greenish-white eggs, adorned with brown spots.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Tawny-shouldered Blackbird is quite varied, including insects, seeds, nectar, fruit, and even small lizards. This varied diet reflects the bird's adaptability to its environment and available resources.

Conservation status

The Tawny-shouldered Blackbird is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.