Watercolor portrait of Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Breeds across western and central North… Large, permanent, freshwater marshes dom… Locally common Primary territorial song

Learn to identify the Yellow-headed Blackbird by ear. Master the "kreeee-kooorr" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“kreeee-kooorr”

What the Yellow-headed Blackbird sounds like

A striking marsh-dwelling icterid, the male Yellow-headed Blackbird flaunts a golden-yellow head and breast contrasted against a coal-black body and a bold white wing patch. Females and immatures are browner with more subdued yellow, but still show the diagnostic white wing patch in flight. During breeding season males perch conspicuously on cattails, delivering their unmistakably harsh, buzzing song. Outside the breeding season the species often forms huge mixed flocks with other blackbirds and starlings in agricultural areas.

“kreeee-kooorr”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A grating, low-pitched buzz that rises then drops, often likened to a rusty gate or chainsaw—delivered from exposed cattail perches. Often written as “kreeee-kooorr”.
Don't confuse with:The Red-winged Blackbird — red-winged has red & yellow shoulder epaulets, entirely black head, no white wing patch.

Lessons featuring the Yellow-headed Blackbird

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Yellow-headed Blackbird's sounds in this interactive in-app lesson.

Blackbird Noise Department lesson habitat
Blackbird Noise Department
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Where you'll hear it

Large, permanent, freshwater marshes dominated by cattails, bulrushes, or reeds; in migration and winter also found in open fields, feedlots, grain stubble, and wet meadows.

Neotropical migrant. Northern breeders arrive late April–May, depart August–September. Migration peaks March–April southbound, September–October northbound. Winter flocks remain November–February in the Southwest & Mexico.

Similar species

Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged has red & yellow shoulder epaulets, entirely black head, no white wing patch.

Bobolink

Breeding male Bobolink has buff nape and white back patches but a black belly; smaller size, shorter tail.

Brewer’s Blackbird

Brewer’s lacks yellow head and white wing patch; glossy purplish head with pale eye in males.

Yellow-headed Blackbird song FAQ

What does a Yellow-headed Blackbird sound like?
A grating, low-pitched buzz that rises then drops, often likened to a rusty gate or chainsaw—delivered from exposed cattail perches. Listen for the "kreeee-kooorr" phrase.
How do I tell a Yellow-headed Blackbird from a Red-winged Blackbird by sound?
Red-winged Blackbird: Red-winged has red & yellow shoulder epaulets, entirely black head, no white wing patch.; Song more musical ‘conk-la-ree’ vs Yellow-headed’s harsh buzz..
When is the best time to hear a Yellow-headed Blackbird?
Neotropical migrant. Northern breeders arrive late April–May, depart August–September. Migration peaks March–April southbound, September–October northbound. Winter flocks remain November–February in the Southwest & Mexico.