By Michigan hosts several species of black birds, adding elegance and intrigue to its avian population. Among the most notable are the Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), with its iridescent purple-blue head and bronzy body, and the Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), recognized by the bright red patches on males’ wings and their distinctive “conk-la-ree” call.
Additionally, Michigan is home to the American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos), known for its glossy black plumage and intelligence, as well as the Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus), identified by its rusty edges on black feathers during breeding season.
These birds inhabit various habitats across Michigan, including woodlands, wetlands, and urban areas, contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity and captivating birdwatching opportunities.
11 Black Birds in Michigan
Common Grackle
Scientific Name: Quiscalus quiscula.
Weight: The weight of a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) typically ranges from about 75 to 130 grams (2.6 to 4.6 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is typically around 3 to 5 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer, potentially up to 8 years or more.
The Common Grackle is a medium-sized blackbird native to North America, known for its iridescent plumage that shines blue, green, and purple in sunlight. These birds are often found in urban and suburban areas, as well as agricultural fields and wetlands. Common Grackles have a varied diet, consisting of seeds, grains, insects, small vertebrates, and even bird eggs and nestlings.
They are highly social birds, forming large flocks outside of the breeding season. Despite being considered pests by some due to their habit of raiding crops and bird feeders, Common Grackles play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds.
Red-winged Blackbird
Scientific Name: Agelaius phoeniceus.
Weight: The weight of a Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) typically ranges from about 41 to 65 grams (1.4 to 2.3 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is typically around 2 to 3 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer, potentially up to 8 years or more.
The Red-winged Blackbird is a common passerine bird found across North America, characterised by the striking red and yellow patches on the male’s wings. Females are brown and streaked, often resembling large sparrows. These birds inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, meadows, and agricultural fields.
They have a diverse diet, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, and occasionally small vertebrates. Red-winged Blackbirds are highly territorial during the breeding season, with males defending their nesting territories vigorously.
Outside of the breeding season, they form large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. Their loud, distinctive calls are a familiar sound in wetland areas and open fields, adding to the ambiance of North America’s natural landscapes.
European Starling
Scientific Name: Sturnus vulgaris.
Weight: The weight of a European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) typically ranges from about 60 to 100 grams (2.1 to 3.5 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is typically around 2 to 3 years in the wild. However, in captivity or under optimal conditions, they can live longer, sometimes reaching up to 10 years or more.
The European Starling, a bird native to Europe, has become a common sight in North America after being introduced in the late 19th century. Recognizable by its iridescent black plumage with white spots in winter and its yellow beak, these birds are known for their adaptability and gregarious behaviour.
European Starlings are often found in urban and suburban areas, as well as agricultural fields and grasslands. They have a varied diet, consuming insects, fruits, seeds, and even garbage.
Despite being considered pests in some areas due to their large flocks and potential impact on native bird species, European Starlings are fascinating creatures with complex social structures and vocal abilities.
American Crow
Scientific Name: Molothrus ater.
Weight: The weight of a Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) typically ranges from about 30 to 60 grams (1.1 to 2.1 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is typically around 4 to 6 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer, potentially up to 8 years or more.
The Brown-headed Cowbird, known by its scientific name Molothrus ater, is a small, stocky bird native to North America. As its name suggests, it has a distinct brown head contrasting with its black body. These birds are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, often at the expense of the host’s own eggs or chicks.
Female cowbirds locate host nests and deposit their eggs, leaving the host species to raise the cowbird chicks. This behaviour can have negative impacts on host populations, as cowbird chicks may outcompete the host’s own offspring for resources. Despite this, Brown-headed Cowbirds play important roles in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and aiding in seed dispersal.
Brewer’s Blackbird
Scientific Name: Euphagus cyanocephalus.
Weight: The weight of a Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) typically ranges from about 45 to 65 grams (1.6 to 2.3 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) is typically around 4 to 6 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer, potentially up to 10 years or more.
The Brewer’s Blackbird, scientifically known as Euphagus cyanocephalus, is a medium-sized bird found across much of North America. These birds are predominantly black, with males exhibiting glossy iridescence on their heads and bodies during the breeding season. Females are duller in coloration, with brownish-black plumage.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are often found in open habitats such as fields, meadows, and agricultural areas, where they forage for seeds, insects, and fruits. They are also known to scavenge around urban areas and feed on human scraps.
These birds are social and often form large flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. Despite their adaptability to human-altered landscapes, Brewer’s Blackbird populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
Rusty Blackbird
Scientific Name: Euphagus carolinus.
Weight: The weight of a Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) typically ranges from about 45 to 65 grams (1.6 to 2.3 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is typically around 4 to 7 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer, potentially up to 10 years or more.
The Rusty Blackbird, scientifically known as Euphagus carolinus, is a medium-sized blackbird native to North America. Adult males have glossy black plumage with rusty edges on their feathers, giving them a distinctive appearance. Females and juveniles are duller in coloration, with streaked brown and buffy plumage.
Rusty Blackbirds inhabit wetlands, marshes, and wooded areas during the breeding season, where they forage for insects, invertebrates, and seeds. During migration and winter, they can be found in flooded forests, swamps, and agricultural fields.
Despite their once widespread distribution, Rusty Blackbird populations have experienced significant declines, primarily due to habitat loss, wetland degradation, and pollution.
Bobolink
Scientific Name: Dolichonyx oryzivorus.
Weight: The weight of a Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) typically ranges from about 32 to 49 grams (1.1 to 1.7 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is typically around 2 to 5 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer, potentially up to 7 years or more.
The Bobolink, classified as Dolichonyx oryzivorus, is a small, migratory songbird found in North America. During the breeding season, male Bobolinks exhibit striking plumage with black underparts and a white back and wings, while females are more subdued with brown streaks.
They breed in grasslands and hayfields across the northern United States and southern Canada. Bobolinks are known for their melodious, bubbling song, often heard during their breeding season. After breeding, they migrate to South America for the winter, where they inhabit open grasslands and agricultural fields.
Pileated Woodpecker
Scientific Name: Dryocopus pileatus.
Weight: The weight of a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) typically ranges from about 250 to 350 grams (8.8 to 12.3 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is typically around 7 to 10 years in the wild. However, they may live longer in captivity, potentially reaching up to 15 years or more with proper care.
The Pileated Woodpecker, scientifically known as Dryocopus pileatus, is one of the largest woodpecker species found in North America. Characterised by its striking appearance, it boasts a prominent red crest on its head and black and white plumage.
These birds inhabit mature forests with plenty of large trees, where they excavate nest cavities and forage for insects by drilling into wood. Their distinctive drumming sound echoes through the forest as they search for food.
Pileated Woodpeckers are primarily insectivorous but also feed on fruits and nuts. Despite facing habitat loss and fragmentation, they have adapted to living in suburban areas with wooded patches.
Great-tailed Grackle
Scientific Name: Quiscalus mexicanus.
Weight: The weight of a Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) typically ranges from about 130 to 250 grams (4.6 to 8.8 ounces).
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) is typically around 8 to 12 years in the wild. However, in captivity, they can live longer, sometimes reaching up to 20 years or more.
The Great-tailed Grackle, scientifically known as Quiscalus mexicanus, is a large, striking blackbird found throughout much of North and South America. Recognizable by its iridescent black plumage and long, keel-shaped tail, these birds are often found in open habitats such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and urban areas.
Great-tailed Grackles are highly adaptable and opportunistic feeders, consuming a diverse diet that includes insects, grains, fruits, and small vertebrates. They are known for their gregarious behaviour and loud, distinctive calls, especially during the breeding season when males perform elaborate displays to attract mates.
Purple Martin
Scientific Name: Progne subis.
Weight: The weight of a Purple Martin (Progne subis) typically ranges from about 45 to 60 grams (1.6 to 2.1 ounces).
Lifespan: The lifespan of a Purple Martin (Progne subis) is typically around 6 to 8 years in the wild. However, some individuals may live longer, potentially reaching up to 14 years or more.
The Purple Martin, scientifically known as Progne subis, is the largest member of the swallow family in North America. These migratory birds are famous for their vibrant purple plumage, sleek aerodynamic bodies, and graceful flight patterns. They are highly social birds, often nesting in large colonies in artificial housing provided by humans, such as specially designed martin houses.
Purple Martins primarily feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air using their agile flight skills. Their migratory habits take them from their breeding grounds in North America to wintering areas in South America, making them a beloved sight for birdwatchers during their annual migrations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Purple Martin stands out as an iconic species in North America, admired for its striking appearance and fascinating behaviour. Its reliance on human-provided housing underscores the importance of conservation efforts to maintain suitable nesting sites. By protecting their habitats and providing adequate shelter, we can help ensure the survival of Purple Martins for generations to come.
Additionally, continued research into their migration patterns and ecological needs will contribute to a better understanding of these birds and inform future conservation strategies. Ultimately, the Purple Martin serves as a symbol of the interconnectedness between humans and wildlife, highlighting the importance of preserving biodiversity in our ecosystems.