Scarlet-headed Blackbird

About the Scarlet-headed Blackbird

The scarlet-headed blackbird (Amblyramphus holosericeus) is a species of bird in the family Icteridae, the oropendolas, New World orioles, and New World blackbirds. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The scarlet-headed blackbird was formally described in 1786 with the binomial Xanthornus holosericeus. It is now the only member of genus Amblyramphus and has no subspecies. Male scarlet-headed blackbirds average 25 cm (9.8 in) long and weigh an average of 86 g (3.0 oz). Females average 22.5 cm (8.9 in) long and weigh an average of 75 g (2.6 oz). The sexes have the same plumage. Adults have a thin black stripe behind the lores and black eyelids. The rest of their head and their neck, upper breast, and thighs are scarlet-red. The rest of their plumage is a slightly glossy black. They have a black iris, a sharp, chisel-shaped black bill, and black legs and feet. Juveniles are almost entirely brownish black with a yellowish wash on the throat and breast; they gradually acquire the adult's red.

The scarlet-headed blackbird has a disjunct distribution. Its largest range from northern... Wikipedia →