Tricolored Blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) is in the New World Blackbirds and Orioles family (Icteridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 2,728 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: spring and fall migrant. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
Conservation status (iNaturalist): EN.
When to photograph Tricolored Blackbird: observations by month (U.S.)
About Tricolored Blackbird
The tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae. Its range is limited to the coastal areas of the Pacific coast of North America, from Northern California in the U.S. (with occasional strays into Oregon), to upper Baja California in Mexico.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Tricolored Blackbird by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,484 | April | Sep–Jun |
| Oregon | 124 | May | Apr–May |
| Washington | 94 | May | Apr–Jul |
| Idaho | 22 | March | Feb–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related birds (New World Blackbirds and Orioles)
Red-winged Blackbird
Great-tailed Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
Brewer's Blackbird
Boat-tailed Grackle
Western Meadowlark
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
- Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
- Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
- Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Tricolored Blackbird?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from September to July.
Where is Tricolored Blackbird most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon, Washington.