Tricoloured Blackbird vs Kirtland's Warbler

In short

The Tricolored Blackbird and Kirtland's Warbler are distinct in both appearance and habitat. The Tricolored Blackbird is a medium-sized blackbird with a striking red and white wing patch, while Kirtland's Warbler is a small, rare warbler with a preference for young jack pine forests.

Identification tips

• Tricolored Blackbird: Look for the bright red and white wing patches in males, and the dark brown, streaked plumage in females. Found in large colonies in marshes.
• Kirtland's Warbler: Note the bluish-gray back, yellow underparts, and white eye-rings. Typically found in young jack pine forests.

Size

The Tricolored Blackbird is larger, measuring 18–24 cm in length, compared to the smaller Kirtland's Warbler.

Plumage

Tricolored Blackbird males are black with bright red and white wing patches, while females are dark brown with streaking. Kirtland's Warbler has a bluish-gray back, yellow underparts, and distinct white eye-rings.

Behaviour

Tricolored Blackbirds are highly gregarious, especially during breeding, forming large colonies. Kirtland's Warbler is less social, often seen alone or in pairs.

Habitat

Tricolored Blackbirds are found in marshes and agricultural areas, while Kirtland's Warbler is restricted to young jack pine forests in Michigan.

Voice

Tricolored Blackbird's flight call is lower in frequency compared to the Red-winged Blackbird, while Kirtland's Warbler has a distinctive, loud song often heard in its breeding habitat.