TRICOLORED BLACKBIRD SURVEY

SCVAS participates in Audubon California’s annual survey of Tricolored Blackbirds, a joint effort of California Department of Fish and Wildlife, UC Davis, Audubon California and various individuals and groups. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic our planned trips for 2020 were canceled. However, we are always interested in information about the distribution of this species, so we strongly encourage you to participate whenever you’re out birding by recording your observations in eBird and contacting us with information (see “Can’t Join A Team?” below).

Check out Ryan Phillips article on Tricolored Blackbirds in the Fall 2020 Avocet.

Identifying Tricolored Blackbirds

Tricolored Blackbirds can often be found with Red-winged Blackbirds which are very similar in appearance. The primary difference on the male birds is the white patch below the red on the forewing. Tricoloreds also have a distinct song, a harsh low-pitched “ker-ah-roow,” that can help you pick one out of a crowd of Red-wingeds.

Check out the Tricolored Blackbird article at allaboutbirds.org for more identification information.

Background: 

The Tricolored Blackbird Statewide Survey is conducted over three days in April. In case of severe weather, the Survey will have alternate days chosen. The 2020 survey was coordinated by Dr. Bob Meese. As with the 3 prior statewide surveys, the statewide surveys utilize local experts who serve as county coordinators to assemble survey teams, to ensure coverage, and to enter records of observations when the survey is complete.

What’s involved: 

Each year we pair volunteer participants with Santa Clara County Teams to survey both historical colony locations as well as to survey in appropriate regions and habitats for new, previously undocumented colony locations and to estimate the numbers of birds at occupied sites. No prior experience is necessary and any level of commitment, big or small, is welcome to help to make these surveys as complete as possible.

How you can help:

Ryan Phillips, of Talon Ecological Research Group Biologist and NorCal Birding Owner, is the Santa Clara County Coordinator in partnership with Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society. Please contact Ryan at norcalbirding@gmail.com if you would like to participate in future surveys.

Can’t join a team?

Keep your eyes and ears open for the species as you go about your regular birding. If you see Tricolored Blackbirds, let us know where and how many. File an eBird checklist. Your data will help track the seasonal movements of the birds even if you can’t join an official team. Why not devote a few trips over the course of the year to search for the birds? Make it a goal to pay extra attention to this wonderful, threatened bird. We hope to post updates on our website based on your observations. Stop by the Ranch sometime and pick up your Tricolored Blackbird Watch Project decal, available while supplies last in 3” decal and 4” window-cling format!

More Information

Watch this video about dairy farmers working to save Tricolored Blackbird habitat. Read more about Tricolored Blackbird conservation at Audubon California.