The Yellow-headed Blackbird (Scientific Name - Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) is found across the Western part of North America. They breed as far North as the Northern part of the four Western Canadian Provinces and winter as far South as Mexico. They are a fairly large blackbirds with a distinctive yellow head and chest, black bodies with a white stripe along the wing.They prefer wetlands and can be aggressive to other species in these areas such as the smaller Red-winged Blackbird and Marsh Wrens. While not always common on the West Coast, these photos were taken in April 2015 at the Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond, British Columbia.
Thus far, I have never seen aYellow-headed Blackbird. I'll be on the lookout though now that you have highlighted this beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanette. They are striking birds. Cheers
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