Birds of Arkansas: Blackbirds and Friends

Blackbirds and their "allies" (birds in the same family, in this case, Icteridae) are some of the most interesting birds to look for while bird watching in Arkansas. From the bold and flirtatious Red-winged Blackbird to the stunning Baltimore Oriole, this family of birds will give you plenty to look for while bird watching in Arkansas. You'll find them in forests and fields, marshes and meadows, in parks, orchards, and even on your front lawn. For tips on finding and identifying blackbirds and their allies while bird watching in Arkansas, see below.

Red-winged Blackbird. Look for this stocky bird while bird watching in the marshes and meadows of Arkansas. It is also commonly found near the water hazards of golf courses! You'll recognize it while bird watching from its red and yellow shoulders. The rest of this little bird's body is a glossy black and it has a slender, cone shaped bill. The red-winged blackbird is one of the most abundant species in Arkansas, as well as all of North America.

Eastern Meadowlark. You'll easily identify this stocky little songbird while bird watching in Arkansas from the black "V" on its yellow chest. It also has a yellow throat and belly, as well as a white eyebrow and moustache. Its back is brown and streaked, and its tail and wings are short. Look for the Eastern Meadowlark while bird watching in grasslands or hayfields in Arkansas, as well as on golf courses and even at airports! You'll see it foraging on the ground for insects, grubs and larvae.

Orchard Oriole. This small oriole has orange shoulder patches, underparts, and rump. Its head is black, as is its back and tail. Identify it while bird watching in Arkansas from its black wings, which have a broad white bar. You'll find this pretty bird in open forests, orchards, and even in the suburbs. Look for it foraging for fruit, nectar, berries and insects while bird watching in Arkansas.

Baltimore Oriole. Look for this bright orange little bird while bird watching in the summer in the open forests of Arkansas, where it prefers tall trees that provide dense shade. You may also find it in parks. You'll easily identify it from its black head and back, as well as the orange patches on its black wings. Look for it gleaning for caterpillars, insects, spiders and fruit. The Baltimore Oriole is the smallest of the orioles.

Common Grackle. This large, noisy bird can be found while bird watching in the fields and parks of Arkansas. It can also be found in meadows and marshes, as well as on forest edges and suburban lawns. Identify it while bird watching from its iridescent, glossy body, as well as its long, tapered bill and long tail. It has striking gold eyes, and very long legs. Common grackles will eat almost anything, including mice, insects, fish, worms, seeds, frogs, and even other birds!

Source list:

Personal experience

http://www.birdsofarkansas.org

http://www.allaboutbirds.org

http://identify.whatbird.com