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
Experiencias con relato local y mirada cultural sobre los esteros.★ 5 - Salvaje Iberá
Senderismo, cicloturismo, safari fotográfico, avistaje de fauna, paseos largos en el día…★ 5 - Gaucho Argentino
Travesías a caballo por una red de refugios en el Iberá. Cabalgatas de varios días con…★ 5 - Iberá Spirit
Agencia de turismo especializada en los Esteros del Iberá desde hace 10 años. Paquetes…★ 5
Species profile
- Common nameScarlet-headed Blackbird
- Scientific nameAmblyramphus holosericeus
- GroupBird
- StatusNative
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