Rusty Blackbird #176
These birds have declined 85%-98% in the past 40 years and are listed as a “species of concern” or “vulnerable”. Their song has been compared to the grating of a rusty hinge. They have been documented feeding on sparrows, robins, and Snipe … interesting since I found this one watching a flock of Sparrows and Juncos in a hedge row.
This raptors breeding grounds are as far north as Ontario, some migrating south to Mexico for the winters. It’s a stout hawk compared to the Red-tailed.
