The color design of the Scarlet-headed Blackbird is one of the most striking in the birdlife of the Litoral region. Its body is entirely jet-black, while the head, neck, breast and "trousers" are of an ultra-bright blazing scarlet red or orange. The bill is long, black and very sharp. It moves in pairs or small family groups, uttering strident, metallic songs that resound across the whole marsh. Total length: 22 to 24 cm.
Behaviour
Omnivore: insects, larvae, aquatic snails and the seeds of marsh plants. It uses its strong bill to bore into the rush stems in search of food. It strictly inhabits reedbeds, cattail stands and sawgrass marshes. It builds a deep, cup-shaped nest, firmly interwoven among the floating vegetation over the water.
How and when to see it
Year-round, with greater activity and noise during the breeding season in spring and summer (October to February). Extremely easy to see perched on the tips of the rushes at the edge of the navigable channels.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where scarlet-headed blackbird has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where scarlet-headed blackbird lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0 - Reserva Estero Camba Trapo
Private nature reserve of Ecoposada del Estero, on the Camba Trapo road. One of the…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameScarlet-headed Blackbird
- Scientific nameAmblyramphus holosericeus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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