Rusty Blackbirds!

Last week, Tanner and I were helping our advisor demonstrate vegetation sampling techniques to one of his wetland classes at Duncannon Swamp in Madison county. After actually getting into the swamp, we noticed some bird movement, particularly, a few larger blackbirds. After we did our demonstration, we went back to grab a pair of binoculars and search for these birds. Almost immediately, we found one of these mystery birds flying around the canopy. We ruled out Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle immediately, but still couldn't determine which species of blackbird this was at such a height. After searching the edges of the inundated swamp, we noticed multiple birds foraging around the edges. With better looks at these birds, it was evident what we had. Rusty Blackbirds! Twelve of them!

One of twelve Rusty Blackbirds found at Duncannon Swamp.  4/15/13

One of twelve Rusty Blackbirds found at Duncannon Swamp.  4/15/13

One of twelve Rusty Blackbirds found at Duncannon Swamp.  4/15/13

This was by far one of the most interesting finds this spring. Rusty Blackbirds are a major species of concern. It is estimated that Rusty Blackbirds have undergone an 85-99% population decrease! It is still unknown why these birds have undergone such declines. Loss of habitat to their breeding grounds, wintering grounds and migration stops are thought to play a large role in these declines. Their decline is unfortunately what makes seeing this species such a rare event. They breed in boreal forests of  Canada and winter here in the south. Their wintering habitat is in forested swamps of the south. They forage on mostly seeds and some remaining insect larve within the leaf litter and woody debris.

I've only ever seen one Rusty Blackbird before, so seeing this many at one time was certainly a treat. They are absolutely gorgeous birds in both winter and breeding plumage. Reporting when and where you find Rustys can be integral to understanding their population ecology and conservation of this awesome bird.