Wednesday's Wildlife: Brewer's Blackbird

Calgary Wildlife
Jul 23
3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

With iridescent feathers shining in the sun, it's a shock that the Brewer’s blackbird is so often overlooked. The Brewer’s Blackbird, not to be mistaken for its lookalike, the common grackle, is a bird species with a complicated story.

A male Brewer’s Blackbird perched on a weathered wooden post, beak open mid-call. The bird has glossy black feathers with an iridescent sheen of blue and green, and a bright yellow eye. The background is softly blurred in earthy green tones. — A male Brewer’s Blackbird calls from a fence post, its iridescent plumage shimmering with hints of blue and green.

Ranging from southern Canada during its spring and summer breeding period, all the way down to southern Mexico in the fall and winter, this blackbird thrives in human-built environments, drawn to the open spaces, easy food sources, and company of fellow blackbirds. These are highly social birds, often seen in flocks made up of their own kind (conspecifics) as well as other blackbird species. In these mixed flocks, male Brewer’s Blackbirds often take up sentry duty, perching on trees, fences, or lampposts to keep watch. From their vantage points, they scan for threats and sound the alarm when danger is near, protecting their community with a sharp eye and sharper call. These gatherings of blackbirds are a familiar sight across many landscapes, from urban parks and parking lots to the rows of a farmer’s field.

However, their preference for human spaces isn’t always welcome. Brewer’s Blackbirds are frequently mistaken for agricultural pests. Although they do eat seeds, berries, and grains, their presence in farmers' fields usually means they’re after insects—a far tastier and more energy-rich snack than farmers’ crops. This misidentification can lead to unnecessary persecution, as farmers try to keep them at bay through trapping, shooting, and poisoning. In reality, these birds are doing humans a favor, reducing pest populations one insect at a time.

A wide view of a prairie field with tall grasses and yellow flowering plants, filled with a dense flock of blackbirds taking flight. In the background are farm buildings, a power pole, and a line of trees under an overcast sky. The scene captures the birds mid-motion, creating a striking contrast against the green and yellow landscape. — A large mixed flock of blackbirds rises from a prairie field, their movement a blur against the backdrop of farmland.

The conflict between Brewer’s Blackbirds and humans is a major factor in their designation as a “Common Species in Steep Decline.” But what does that actually mean? When talking about the conservation of animals, we are used to hearing terms like “Least Concern” or “Endangered” to describe population status. While these Brewer’s blackbirds are classified by the IUCN as Least Concern, they are not without risk. The label “Common Species in Steep Decline” was introduced in the 2014 State of the Birds report to highlight 33 bird species, including the Brewer’s Blackbird, that remain relatively widespread but have been experiencing significant long-term population declines. Data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey shows that the population of Brewer’s blackbirds has declined approximately 1.6% per year, leading to a cumulative decline of about 57% between 1966 and 2019. In addition to being targeted by farmers who mistake them for pests, Brewer’s Blackbirds face the usual hazards of living alongside people: window strikes, habitat loss, and vehicle collisions are all common and often fatal risks for urban birds.

Here at Calgary Wildlife, we've had several Brewer's blackbirds come through our doors over the years. The one pictured below came in with a damaged wing and spent just over a month in rehabilitation. Thanks to the work of our team, the bird made a full recovery and was successfully released back into the wild.

A close-up of a Brewer’s Blackbird being held upright in a gloved hand during a medical exam. The bird’s wings are gently secured against its body by a person wearing blue nitrile gloves. The background is softly out of focus, indicating an indoor clinical setting. — A Brewer’s Blackbird receives care at Calgary Wildlife, gently held by a rehabilitator wearing blue medical gloves during an examination.

A close-up of a Brewer’s Blackbird being examined by wildlife rehabilitators wearing blue nitrile gloves. Multiple hands gently part the feathers under the bird’s wing to assess a possible injury. The bird’s beak is slightly open, and part of a staff member's face with glasses is visible in the foreground. The background is softly blurred, indicating an indoor clinical environment. — Calgary Wildlife staff examine a Brewer’s Blackbird’s wing during intake, checking for injuries beneath the feathers.

These long-tailed birds might not be as commonly seen around Calgary as their flashier cousin, the red-winged blackbird, but Brewer’s Blackbirds still play an important role in our ecosystems. By eating insects, they provide natural pest control, contributing to a healthier environment and lending an unacknowledged hand to farmers and gardeners alike.

So what can we do to help? Simply being aware of these shimmering birds is a great start. Sharing accurate information about their impact on agriculture helps shift the narrative, and small actions like installing window decals can prevent deadly collisions. Slowing down while driving through areas with abundant wildlife can also go a long way in protecting these birds and others that live among us.

For assistance with injured and orphaned wildlife, please contact the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society at 403-214-1312.

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