Rusty
Blackbirds are migrating south from their muskeg breeding habitat in
the Boreal Forest. Rusties have declined significantly in recent
years. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
(COSEWIC) designated it as Special Concern because it could become
Threatened or Endangered. A great spot now to see Rusty Blackbirds
is Cranberry Marsh in Whitby east of Toronto. Photo: Rusty
Blackbird at Cranberry Marsh1
October 2013. The rusty edges to the feathers will wear off
over the winter months to produce the black breeding plumage next spring.
Probable female Rusty
Blackbird is identified by the buff-brown edgings on the cheek,
chin, throat, breast, and sides that are lighter than on a male
Rusty. Cranberry Marsh on 1 October
2013.
