Species BirdsYellow-headed Blackbird

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

CommonBird
Illustration of Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

The Yellow-headed Blackbird is one of North America's most dramatically colored birds — the males' brilliant golden-yellow head and breast contrasting with black wings is unmistakable. It displaces Red-winged Blackbirds from the best marsh territories. Its song is a harsh, grinding mechanical squeal quite unlike any other bird.

Habitat
Deep cattail marshes and adjacent fields of the western US and Great Plains
Diet
Insects in summer; grain and seeds in winter
How common
Common

Best time to see a Yellow-headed Blackbird

The best time to see a Yellow-headed Blackbird is April–June, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,755 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Yellow-headed Blackbird? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Yellow-headed Blackbird sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Yellow-headed Blackbird? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Yellow-headed Blackbird is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love birds? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More birds

Yellow-headed Caracara
Yellow-headed Caracara
Daptrius chimachima
Yellow-naped Amazon
Yellow-naped Amazon
Amazona auropalliata
Yellow-olive Flatbill
Yellow-olive Flatbill
Tolmomyias sulphurescens
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Setophaga coronata
Yellow-throated Euphonia
Yellow-throated Euphonia
Euphonia hirundinacea
Yellow-throated Toucan
Yellow-throated Toucan
Ramphastos ambiguus
Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireo
Vireo flavifrons
Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Setophaga dominica