The Brewers blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) is a species of bird found in western North America. In this article, we will explore the range and habitat of this distinctive blackbird species.
The Brewers blackbird is a medium-sized songbird with glossy black plumage and bright yellow eyes. Males have an iridescent purple-blue sheen on their feathers. Females are slightly smaller and less glossy. These birds are very social and often seen in large flocks. They are named after the ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer.
Brewers blackbirds have a very wide distribution across western North America. They range from British Columbia in the north to Baja California in the south. Their range stretches east into the western Great Plains. Within this broad region, Brewers blackbirds inhabit open grasslands, agricultural fields, meadows, wetlands, parks, and urban areas. They are adaptable birds found at elevations up to 10,000 feet.
Range
Here is more detail on the breeding and year-round range of the Brewers blackbird across North America:
- Breeding range – summers in western Canada (southern Yukon, British Columbia, southwestern Alberta) and much of the western United States including Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and western Nebraska.
- Year-round range – winters in southern British Columbia, western Washington and Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and into northern Mexico.
- Migration – northern populations migrate south for the winter. Southern populations may wander locally.
In their breeding range, you can find Brewers blackbirds in open and semi-open habitats. They favor native grasslands, pastures, agricultural areas, wet meadows, parks, and urban areas. In the winter, they shift into more open croplands, grassy fields, parks, and suburban neighborhoods.
Here is a map showing the full range of the Brewers blackbird:
As you can see, their range covers much of the western half of North America. The core of their range includes the Pacific Northwest, California, the Intermountain West region, and west-central Canada. Their range overlaps significantly with other blackbird species like the red-winged blackbird and common grackle.
Western North America
Let’s take a closer look at where Brewers blackbirds live within different parts of western North America:
Pacific Northwest
In the Pacific Northwest region, Brewers blackbirds breed in southwestern British Columbia, western Washington, Oregon, and northern California. They are common summer residents in fields, parks, wetlands, and towns. Some birds migrate south for winter, while others remain as year-round residents if food is adequate.
California
California marks the southern end of the Brewers blackbird’s breeding range along the Pacific Coast. They are found throughout the state in summer, including the Central Valley, coast, foothills, and mountains. Populations in southern California may wander in winter but many birds remain as permanent residents.
Intermountain West
Throughout the Intermountain West region, covering states like Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado, Brewers blackbirds nest in grasslands, agricultural areas, and wetlands. They are generally migratory in the northern parts of this region, moving south for winter. Further south they may remain as year-round residents if food supplies allow.
Southwest
In the southwestern states of Arizona and New Mexico, Brewers blackbirds are primarily winter residents. They breed in localized areas of higher elevation like the Mogollon Rim. Large numbers of blackbirds from further north migrate into the Southwest for the winter months.
Western Great Plains
Along the western edge of the Great Plains, Brewers blackbirds breed in localized areas with suitable habitat. This includes portions of western Nebraska, eastern Colorado, and northeastern New Mexico. Most of the northern plains population migrates south in winter. But some birds remain if adequate food is available.
Habitats
Brewers blackbirds utilize a variety of open and semi-open habitats across their range. Here are some of the natural habitats and human-modified lands used by these birds:
- Grasslands – native prairies, pastures, meadows, grassy rangelands
- Wetlands – marshes, sloughs, wet meadows, pond edges
- Agricultural areas – croplands, farms, ranches
- Riparian zones – along streams, irrigation ditches and canals
- Parks and gardens – urban parks, suburban yards
- Roadsides – along highways, rural roads
Within these habitats, Brewers blackbirds seek open areas with low vegetation, along with scattered shrubs or trees for nesting. They often forage in grassy areas and fields for seeds and insects. Nearby water sources like marshes provide important habitat for drinking, bathing, and gathering nest material.
In urban and suburban areas, Brewers blackbirds readily adapt to landscaped parks, golf courses, school yards, and backyards. They are attracted to mowed lawns, ornamental trees, and artificial water sources like birdbaths.
Territory and Nesting
During the breeding season, male Brewers blackbirds are territorial and defend a nesting area from other males. Females build an open, cup-shaped nest out of grass, twigs, and mud in a shrub or small tree. Nests are often located near water or in wetland vegetation.
Brewers blackbirds may nest solitarily or in loose colonies depending on food availability. The female lays 3-5 eggs that hatch after about two weeks. Both parents feed the young insects and other animal matter. The young fledge from the nest at 13-14 days old.
Some key facts about Brewers blackbird nesting:
- Nesting season lasts from March to July depending on latitude.
- Nests are built 2-15 feet above ground in shrubs or small trees.
- Favored nest sites include rose bushes, willows, hawthorns.
- Both parents defend the nest from predators and cowbirds.
- May raise 2-3 broods per season.
Food and Feeding
Brewers blackbirds have varied omnivorous diets consisting of seeds, grains, insects, berries, and other plant and animal matter. Their diets shift seasonally depending on what foods are available.
Here are some of the main food sources for Brewers blackbirds:
- Seeds – from grasses, weeds, grains
- Insects – beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants
- Berries – elderberries, blackberries, serviceberries
- Grains – corn, wheat, oats, barley
- Nectar and sap from flowers and fruit trees
Brewers blackbirds forage for food mostly on the ground in open areas. They walk along searching for seeds and insects in the soil and vegetation. Flocks will also descend on agricultural fields, pastures, and feedlots to gather grains and seeds.
During summer, they feed more heavily on insects to provide high-protein food for their nestlings. Berries and fruits become important when available in late summer and fall. At bird feeders, they readily eat sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and suet.
Population Status
The global breeding population of Brewers blackbirds is estimated at 16 million. Populations appear to be stable throughout their range. They are not considered threatened or endangered.
Here are some key population facts for Brewers blackbirds:
- Global population: 16 million
- Population trend: Stable
- Conservation status: Least concern
These abundant flocking blackbirds continue to adapt well to human activities like agriculture, ranching, and urbanization across western North America. They take advantage of grain crops, pastures, landscaped parks, and bird feeders. As long as suitable open habitat exists, their populations should remain secure.
Conclusion
In summary, the Brewers blackbird is a common and adaptable songbird species found across western North America. Its breeding range stretches from southwest Canada to California and reaches east into the western Great Plains. These highly social blackbirds inhabit open country like grasslands, agricultural areas, wetlands, and urban parks. They nest in shrubs and small trees, often forming loose colonies. Brewers blackbirds eat a varied diet of seeds, grains, insects, and berries. They remain common and widespread throughout their range.