© Walter Bauer, Sugar Land, Texas, 1998
Field Marks: A large iridescent blackbird, larger than a Robin, with a long wedged-shaped tail. A crease in the center often gives the tail a keel-shaped appearance, particularly in spring. When this bird flies its flight is more even, not as undulating as that of other blackbirds. The males are glossed with iridescent purple on the head, deep bronze on the back.
Voice: Chuck or chack; "song"- a split rasping note that is both husky and squeaky.
Where found: South Canada East of Rockies and south to the Gulf States. It is partially migratory.
Texas: Resident in the east and north parts of the state, west to Fort Worth, and south to the upper coast. In the winter a few will go as far west as Del Rio and Sabinal and south to San Antonio.
Habitat: Croplands, towns, stream sides.
Nest: A deep bulky cup, usually in a tree. Their eggs are 4-5 blotched and scrawled.