What are black birds with green heads?

Black birds with green heads are most likely one of several species of the Icteridae family of birds, also known as New World blackbirds. Some possibilities include:

Red-winged Blackbird

The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a very common blackbird with red and yellow shoulder patches on its wings. The males have all-black bodies, while females are brownish-streaked black. Both sexes have a pointed bill and a long tail. Red-winged blackbirds eat seeds, grains, and insects and often forage in fields or marshes in large flocks. They breed across North America.

Yellow-headed Blackbird

The yellow-headed blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) is found in western North America. Males have a striking appearance with a black body, white wing patches, and a bright yellow head and breast. Females are brownish-black with dull yellow throats and breasts. They have conical bills suited for eating seeds and insects. Yellow-headed blackbirds nest in marshes and fields.

Brewer’s Blackbird

Brewer’s blackbirds (Euphagus cyanocephalus) live across western and central North America. Males are all black with yellow eyes, while females are dark brown with paler throats. Their diet consists of seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. They are sociable birds that nest in loose colonies, often found in parks, farms, and residential areas.

Identifying Features

Here are some tips for identifying black birds with green heads:

• Look at the bird’s overall size and shape – is it a slender songbird or a bulkier blackbird?
• Note the coloration – an all black body with green head, or other colors mixed in?
• Look at the bill shape – pointed, short and conical, or long and sharp?
• Listen for any distinct calls or songs.
• Pay attention to behavior – solitary, in pairs, or larger flocks?
• Note habitat – marshes, fields, forests, neighborhoods?

Key field marks to look for include:

• Green head coloring
• Black body, may have other colors mixed in like red or yellow
• Pointed or short, conical bill shape
• Foraging on ground for seeds and insects
• Found in open habitats like marshes and fields

This can help narrow down the exact species. Consult a bird guide book or app if needed for additional help.

Green-Headed Blackbird Species

Here are some of the main blackbird species in North America that have green heads or green coloring:

Brewer’s Blackbird

• Males have glossy black plumage and bright yellow eyes.
• Females are dark brown with a paler throat.
• Found year-round across much of western North America.
• Diet includes insects, grains, seeds, berries, and nectar.
• Nest in bushes, trees, on structures; colonial nester.

Red-winged Blackbird

• Males are black with red and yellow shoulder patches.
• Females are brown and streaky black.
• Found year-round across North America.
• Eats insects, grains, seeds; forages on ground.
• Nests in marsh vegetation, territorial when breeding.

Yellow-headed Blackbird

• Males have striking yellow head/breast, black body, white wing patches.
• Females are mostly brown with yellow throat/breast.
• Found in western North America.
• Eats insects, seeds, grains; forages on ground.
• Nests in freshwater marshes, in colonies.

Other Species

Other North American blackbirds that may occasionally show some green coloring on their heads include:

• Rusty blackbird
• Common grackle
• Brown-headed cowbird
• Great-tailed grackle

However, the main species with all green heads are Brewer’s, red-winged, and yellow-headed blackbirds.

Habitat and Behavior

Blackbirds with green heads live in a variety of open habitats across North America including:

• Marshes and wetlands
• Fields and agricultural areas
• Grasslands and meadows
• Parklands
• Roadsides and urban areas

They build cup-shaped nests low in vegetation, trees, or on man-made structures. These species often feed in large flocks, foraging on the ground for grains, seeds, and insects.

During breeding season, males sing and display from perches to defend territories and attract mates. Red-winged blackbirds in particular are known for their ‘conk-la-ree’ song. Blackbirds often nest in colonies or loose groups, providing mutual protection from predators.

In winter, they form enormous mixed flocks numbering in the thousands to roost. Their social behavior leads them to seek out habitats near human activity on farms, towns, and cities.

Threats and Conservation

The common blackbird species with green heads are currently thriving across North America. However, they face some conservation threats including:

• Habitat loss due to development and drainage of wetlands
• Pesticides and contaminants from agriculture and industry
• Climate change impacts on breeding and migration patterns
• Competition with invasive bird species

Measures needed to protect their populations include:

• Preservation of wetland habitats
• Sustainable agricultural practices to reduce pesticide impacts
• Public education and outreach on coexisting with blackbirds
• Monitoring populations for signs of decline

While considered common “nuisance” species today, protecting vital wetland ecosystems will be key to ensuring blackbirds remain abundant into the future.

Conclusion

The most likely black birds with green heads spotted across North America will be Brewer’s blackbirds, red-winged blackbirds, or yellow-headed blackbirds. Identifying features to look for include the green head color, black body plumage, pointed or short conical bills, foraging on the ground, and inhabiting open wetland and field habitats.

Providing habitat with adequate nesting sites and food sources is important for sustaining populations of these gregarious flocking species. Efforts to conserve wetlands will help ensure their survival as common and iconic fixtures across the North American landscape.