Blackbirds, including crows, ravens, grackles, and starlings, are a common sight in Georgia, USA. These birds are mostly found in urban areas, farmlands, and forests throughout the state.
Georgia’s warm and humid climate, diverse ecosystems, and abundant food sources make it an ideal habitat for these birds. However, many people view blackbirds as a nuisance due to their loud calls, messy droppings, and tendency to roost in large groups.
Despite this, blackbirds are fascinating creatures that play a significant role in Georgia’s ecosystem, and their behavior and adaptability make them intriguing subjects for study.
In this article, we will explore the characteristics and behavior of blackbirds in Georgia, shedding light on these often misunderstood creatures.
1. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.
It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.
This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.
They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.
Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
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2. Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole is a small, blackbird-like bird found in eastern North America. It’s named for the resemblance of its male colors to those on Lord Baltimore’s coat-of-arms from the 17th century.
These birds migrate and breed during springtime and are quite common in their habitats.
Studies have shown that this species interbreeds with western Bullock’s orioles, leading both to be classified as a single species – Icterus galbula.
The males typically have orange feathers along the chest, back, wings, and tail while females display tan or yellowish shades instead of bright orange ones like males do.
Both sexes share white wing bars and dark brown eyes which makes them easily distinguishable among other birds.
They can often be seen flitting around trees feeding off nectar buds or insects such as grasshoppers & caterpillars they catch while flying around.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. galbula |
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3. American Crow
The American crow is a large bird of the Corvidae family, native to most parts of North America.
It is similar in size and structure to its European counterpart, the carrion crow, as well as Eurasia’s hooded crow.
The three species occupy the same ecological niche but are distinguishable by their differences in appearance.
American crows have black feathers covering their entire body with wingspan averaging between 17-21 inches wide for males and 16-19 inches for females.
They feed on insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars; they also eat grains from fields or abandoned farms during winter months when food sources become scarcer.
In addition to feeding habits, American crows can be identified by their distinct call which resembles a “caw” sound that travels long distances over open terrain making them popular among birdwatchers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. brachyrhynchos |
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4. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the Starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and at certain times of the year, it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which protects predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
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5. Red-winged blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.
Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.
It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores, and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.
For food, they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.
They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
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6. Eastern Towhee
The Eastern Towhee is a large New World sparrow, native to brushy areas of eastern North America. These birds have distinct black and white markings, with chestnut brown underparts.
They nest either low in bushes or on the ground beneath shrubs. Northern towhees are known for migrating south during the winter months.
In recent decades, taxonomy debates have left some questioning whether this bird should remain its species or be grouped with the Spotted Towhee as one species — Rufous-sided Towhee.
This lively songbird has a bubbly personality and can often be seen hopping around on branches looking for food such as insects, fruits, and seeds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. erythrophthalmus |
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6. Black-chinned hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small but widely distributed bird. It migrates to Mexico for the winter months, and in summer can be found across much of North America.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird has been known to hybridize with several other species such as Anna’s, Lucifer, Broad-tailed, and Costa’s hummingbirds.
It prefers open habitats like desert scrub or grasslands that provide plenty of nectar from flowers.
These birds are also capable flyers, able to reach speeds of up to 34 miles per hour. With its dazzling plumage and impressive flying skills the Black-chinned Hummingbird makes an intriguing sight for any nature enthusiast lucky enough to spot one in the wild.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. alexandri |
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7. Gray Catbird
The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized bird native to North and Central America. It is the only species in its genus, Dumetella, which makes it unique among other perching birds of the Mimidae family.
Its plumage features shades of gray with some brownish tones on top and lighter grey below.
The underside of its tail has white feathers that contrast against its otherwise monochromatic coloration; this feature gives it its name as it often flicks its tail when alarmed or excited like cats do.
They are omnivorous but mainly feed on insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles while also eating fruits like berries or cherries during the summer months.
Despite being commonly seen alone or in pairs these birds will flock together at times for protection from predators like hawks who are drawn to their dark coloration against green foliage making them harder to spot.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella C.T. Wood, 1837 |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
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8. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large icterid bird commonly found in North America. It has an iridescent head and pale yellow eyes, which are framed by its long dark bill and long tail.
Males typically have more vivid colors on their heads than females do. These birds can be seen across much of the continent, in fields, forests, wetlands – even urban areas.
They form huge flocks to search for food such as grains or insects that they catch with their bills.
The grackles may also scavenge from human sources like garbage dumps or picnic tables if available. With its colorful plumage and distinct call it’s easy to spot this species amongst other birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
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9. Loggerhead Shrike
The Loggerhead Shrike is a carnivorous bird found only in North America. It belongs to the family Laniidae and is known as the “butcherbird” because of its habit of catching prey, such as amphibians, insects, lizards, and small mammals.
The shrike has a black mask around its eyes and grey wings with white patches on them.
Its back is black with white spots that resemble stars or snowflakes; some individuals may have brown feathers instead of black ones.
This species feeds mainly by perching from elevated locations like bushes or trees where it can spot potential meals below it before diving down for capture.
Interestingly enough, these birds are also known to store their food by impaling it onto thorns which they use later when hungry.
With less than 2 million estimated population left in the wild today, this species needs our help so we should do whatever we can to protect them better.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Genus | Lanius |
| Species | L. ludovicianus |
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10. Black-Necked Grebe
The Black-necked Grebe is a beautiful water bird belonging to the Grebe family. It has an ochre-coloured plumage with distinctive features which include extending behind its eyes and over its ear coverts.
The upper parts of this species are black, while their underparts and neck are white.
During the breeding season, males develop a dark grey crown on top of their head along with bright yellow facial stripes that run from the beak down to its chest area.
These birds feed mainly by diving underwater for insects, crustaceans, larvae, mollusks as well as small fish that they find in shallow waters or wetlands near freshwater lakes or streams.
They can often be spotted swimming alone but during winter months gather together creating large flocks due to mating activity taking place at these times.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. nigricollis |
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11. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a large, majestic bird native to North America.
Its striking black plumage and red crest make it an unmistakable sight in the forest canopy of deciduous forests across eastern North America, the Great Lakes region, Canada’s boreal forests, and parts of the Pacific Coast.
It is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America: larger than any other confirmed species except for perhaps its relative; the ivory-billed woodpecker.
Insectivorous by nature, this stunning creature can be seen pecking away at tree trunks searching for food, or making nest cavities – all with remarkable skill.
The pileated woodpecker truly stands out as a symbol of beauty and resilience amongst our avian wildlife.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
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12. Black Vulture
The black vulture is a widespread species of New World Vultures, found in the northeastern United States to Peru, Central Chile, and Uruguay.
Its distinctive appearance has earned it many nicknames such as zopilote, urubu, or gallinazo.
This medium-sized bird has mainly black plumage with some white markings on its wings and head; also featuring a long bill for scavenging carrion from carcasses.
Despite being able to fly up high due to its broad wingspan, it prefers keeping close to ground level when searching for food items like dead fish or small mammals that are available near human settlements.
As an apex predator, they play an important role in nature by helping keep their environment clean while providing other animals with sustenance through their leftovers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Coragyps |
| Species | C. atratus |
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13. Black-Legged Kittiwake
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a seabird of the gull family Laridae. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and its name derives from its distinctive call which sounds like ‘kittee-wa-aaake, kitte-wa-aaake’.
These birds are mainly found along coastal regions with plenty of food sources such as plankton and fish. They have white bodies with slate-grey wings and black legs.
The bill is yellowish orange to red depending on age or season.
In winter they migrate southwards away from their northern habitats into warmer waters for breeding purposes before returning once spring arrives.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Rissa |
| Species | R. tridactyla |
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14. Shiny Cowbird
The Shiny Cowbird is a passerine bird in the New World family Icteridae that breeds mainly throughout South America. Since 1900, its range has expanded northward and it can now be found breeding in southern Florida as well as several Caribbean islands.
The birds are small to medium-sized with glossy black heads and upperparts with white throat patches, brown wings, and tails, rust-colored underparts, pale yellow eyes, and legs of pinkish-orange coloration.
They feed on insects such as grasshoppers in fields or meadows but also take advantage of cultivated fruits when available.
When not nesting they form large flocks which make them easy to spot around their habitats where they search for food together before returning to roost at nightfall.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. bonariensis |
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15. Scarlet Flycatcher
The Scarlet Flycatcher, also referred to as the Austrial Vermilion Flycatcher, is an eye-catching bird found in southeastern Bolivia and Brazil, Paraguay to Argentina and Uruguay.
It belongs to a group of flycatchers closely related to the vermilion flycatcher. This species has bright orange feathers on its face and chest combined with black wings making it unmistakable when seen up close.
Its diet consists of insects that they catch while flying low over open terrain like creeks or marshes using their agile flight capabilities.
While some taxonomic authorities recognize this bird as a separate species from the Vermillion Flycatcher, others still consider it simply a subspecies thereof.
Overall they are very beautiful birds that will add beauty wherever spotted.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Pyrocephalus |
| Species | P. rubinus |
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16. Varied Thrush
The Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) is the only species in its genus and belongs to the thrush family, Turdidae.
It was first described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as Turdus naevius, based on a specimen owned by John Latham which had been described as “Spotted Thrush” four years earlier.
This bird has an olive-brown back with reddish streaks along white underparts; it also bears spots of yellow or orange coloring across its chest.
Its wings are black with bold white patches while its tail appears long and pointed at times when spread out during flight.
The varied thrush can be found throughout western North America from Alaska southwards into California, Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico where they prefer habitats such as coniferous forests and mountain areas near streams or rivers for their habitat.
They feed mainly on insects but will also eat fruits if available making them omnivorous birds.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Ixoreus Bonaparte, 1854 |
| Species | I. naevius |
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17. Yellow-Headed Blackbird
The yellow-headed blackbird is a medium-sized bird with striking features – its head and neck are bright yellow, while the rest of its body is black.
It has large eyes, a pointed bill, and long wings that help it to soar through the air.
The species gets its name from Greek words meaning ‘yellow’ (xanthous) and ‘head’ (cephalus).
This species can be found in wetlands across North America during summer months where they feed on insects and other invertebrates such as snails, earthworms, spiders, and crustaceans.
During winter months they migrate southward for food or when temperatures drop too low for their comfort.
They also form flocks which makes them more visible than solitary birds like hawks or owls. Yellow-headed Blackbirds make beautiful sounds that echo around wetland areas; these melodic calls bring joy to many nature lovers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Xanthocephalus Bonaparte, 1850 |
| Species | X. xanthocephalus |
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18. Boat-Tailed Grackle
The Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae that lives permanently on the coasts of the Southeastern United States.
They inhabit coastal saltwater marshes and, in Florida, also inland waters.
These birds have been seen establishing large populations in various US Gulf Coast cities as well as towns where they can be found scavenging for food or nesting near human habitations.
The boat-tailed grackle has an iridescent black body with long tail feathers which give it its namesake appearance while its eyes are yellowish to brown and its legs pale blue/gray.
In addition to living in marshlands, these birds feed mostly on insects but will also eat some fruits, seeds, and other small prey like frogs or lizards.
Their loud vocalizations make them stand out from other species making them quite recognizable when heard.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. major |
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19. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a large, brightly colored bird belonging to the Cardinal family. Males have black heads and wings, with white breasts boasting a bright rose patch.
Females are more muted in colouring being mostly buffy brown or greyish overall but still featuring the distinctive rose breast patch. The two sexes also exhibit marked sexual dimorphism.
These birds inhabit open woodlands across North America where they feed on seeds gleaned from foliage as well as fruits such as cherries and blueberries during their breeding season which runs from April through August each year.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Pheucticus |
| Species | P. ludovicianus |
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20. Rusty Blackbird
The Rusty Blackbird is a medium-sized member of the New World blackbird family. It breeds in wet forested areas and boreal forests across northern Canada and then migrates southeast to winter in the United States.
Sadly, this species has suffered one of the most dramatic population declines ever recorded amongst North American bird species – their numbers have been reduced by 90% since 1970.
Fortunately, conservation efforts are underway to help reverse this trend and protect these birds for future generations.
They are now largely found around wetlands with thick vegetation cover that provides food sources such as berries, seeds, or insects during migration periods.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. carolinus |
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21. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s blackbird is a medium-sized New World bird that can be easily identified by its glossy, iridescent purple head and neck.
The body of the male has bluish-green highlights while females have brownish-grey plumage with slight hints of the male’s iridescence.
Both sexes possess bright yellow eyes, black feet and legs, and dark wings. Brewer’s blackbirds are commonly found in open grasslands or shrubland habitats.
They prefer to eat insects but will also feed on grains such as wheat or corn if available during winter months when insect populations decline.
These birds often form large flocks which protect them from predators like hawks or owls looking for an easy meal.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. cyanocephalus |
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22. Scott’s Oriole
The Scott’s oriole is a medium-sized icterid found in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Baja California Sur. Named by American soldier and naturalist John Charles Frémont for his friend Robert F.
Scott, this beautiful bird has bright yellow underparts with an orange back and black wings.
Its song consists of a long series of whistles that are often likened to the sound of a flute or piccolo.
They feed mainly on insects but can also eat some fruits such as dates and figs from trees like mesquite, palo verde, live oak, sycamore, and cottonwood.
This species is common south of Sacramento in California making it easy to spot if you’re lucky enough to be near its habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Icterus |
| Species | I. parisorum |
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23. Ring-Necked Duck
The Ring-necked duck is a popular diving bird found in freshwater ponds and lakes across North America.
They are known for their relatively small to medium size and distinctive ring around their neck, which gives them their name.
Interestingly, their scientific name is derived from a Greek word for an unidentified seabird and the Latin word for “neck.”
These ducks are great swimmers and divers, spending much of their time underwater searching for food, which mostly consists of aquatic vegetation and invertebrates.
They are also known for their striking appearance, with a beautiful coloring of black, gray, and white feathers.
The Ring-necked duck is a fascinating bird, and its unique characteristics make it a subject of interest for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. collaris |
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24. Fish Crow
The fish crow is a crow species found in wetland habitats across the eastern and southeastern parts of the United States.
Its name derives from the Latin words for “raven” and “bone-breaker,” as it has a strong beak that allows it to crack open hard shells to get to its food.
The fish crow was first described by Scottish ornithologist Alexander Wilson in 1812 and is known for its distinctive call, which is higher pitched and more nasal than that of the American crow.
Fish crows are social birds that often gather in large flocks, and they primarily feed on fish but also eat insects and other small animals.
Despite being smaller than American crows, fish crows are known for being more aggressive and can sometimes drive their larger counterparts away from food sources.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. ossifragus |
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To Recap
Georgia is home to a remarkable diversity of blackbirds, with a total of 46 common species gracing its landscapes. From the iconic American crow to the melodious red-winged blackbird, these avian residents play a significant role in the state’s ecosystem.
The rich tapestry of blackbirds in Georgia reflects the region’s unique blend of habitats and climates. For bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this checklist serves as a valuable resource for identifying and appreciating the avian wonders that call Georgia home.
It underscores the importance of preserving these birds’ habitats and promoting conservation efforts to ensure the continued thriving of these remarkable species in the state.