271 
510. Brewer’s Blackbird. Euphagus cyanocephalus. L, 10. Plate XLIX B. 
About the size of the Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds. All black. Much larger than 
the Cowbird, considerably smaller than the Bronzed Grackle. Eyes, straw-coloured in 
male, brown in female. 
Distinctions. With size and plain black coloration, easily confused with the Rusty 
Blackbird. The male has purple, instead of green, reflections on the head. In autumn there 
are very slight feather edgings of ashy on head, breast, and back, but never any distinct 
rusty. Females and juveniles are solidly smoky black, a little lighter than the female 
Rusty Blackbird with slightly more of a brown, instead of a grey, tone, to underlying body 
colour, and usually lightening to ashy on throat and face. In the average, the bill is 
slightly shorter and heavier. Some specimens are difficult to separate from that species, 
and on the whole the ashy tone of the breast, throat, and face is the best guide to separation. 
Field Marks. Medium size and solid black coloration, never with rusty overwash 
or strong ochreish superciliary line. Eyes of male pale straw-yellow. Male separated 
from the Rusty Blackbird by purple instead of greenish reflections on head, and female by 
having brown instead of light straw-coloured eyes. 
Nesting. A bulky structure of grasses, etc., in trees, stumps, low bushes, or on the 
ground. 
Distribution. Western North America. In Canada, from Manitoba west to the coast, 
north, to central British Columbia, and the heavy forests of the Prairie Provinces. 
Brewer’s Blackbird is one of the commonest birds of the west. It 
is not so restricted to the marshes as the Red-winged or Yellow-headed 
Blackbirds, but scatters all over the country wherever a little brushy 
scrub occurs, preferably, but not necessarily, near water. It frequents the 
barnyard and often nests in the immediate vicinity of habitations. It is 
slightly gregarious in nesting and small colonies are common. It associates 
with Cowbirds about sheep and cattle and may often be seen perched on 
their backs seeking the parasites. 
Economic Status . Although Blackbirds flying in flocks that darken 
the air have always been looked upon with suspicion, few complaints have 
been laid against this particular species. An analysis of its food shows 
that 32 per cent is animal and 68 vegetable. Of the animal portion, a 
large amount consists of grasshoppers, caterpillars, and insect pupae, mostly 
of ground-inhabiting forms. Of the vegetable food, grain is largely repre- 
sented, but is greatest in the winter months when obviously waste. Though 
it takes some fruit, it has been known to desert cherries for newly ploughed 
fields nearby, and is evidently not a pronounced fruit destroyer. On the 
whole, it seems to be a most valuable bird. 
511. Crow Blackbird. bronzed grackle. Quiscalus quiscula. L, 12. Plate 
L A. The largest of the Blackbirds. 
Distinctions. Large size, complete irides- 
cent blackness, and straw-coloured eyes. 
Field Marks. The all-black body, straw- 
yellow eyes, and size are good field marks. 
When flying the long tail of the male is 
“boated”, that is, spread and turned up at 
the sides so that a cross-section through it 
would be U-shaped. This is a most character- 
istic feature and easily seen in outline against 
the sky in spring, but is less evident or absent 
in autumn. 
Nesting. Usually m communities in coni- 
ferous trees; nest, a large, bulky mass of 
grass and mud. Some in hollow trees. 
Distribution. Temperate North America, east of the Rockies. In western Canada 
common in southern Manitoba, growing scarcer and local west towards the mountains in 
the southern parts of the Prairie Provinces. 
Figure 258 
Bronzed Grackle; scale, about J. 
Bill left white to show shape. 
