Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!think!bbn!granite!horvath
From: horvath@granite.cr.bull.com (John Horvath)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Identifying Rusty Blackbirds
Message-ID: <1990Mar20.231517.10248@granite.cr.bull.com>
Date: 20 Mar 90 23:15:17 GMT
Reply-To: horvath@granite.cr.bull.com (John Horvath)
Distribution: na
Organization: Bull HN Information Systems Inc.
Lines: 11

Here in Massachusetts, Rusty Blackbirds pass by during fall and spring
migration. I have always confused them with what appears to be
smaller grackles or redwings that were hiding their epaulets. 
I assume that in the fall it's suppose to be much easier when
they actually change to a rusty black (or so I'm told).
But how to you distinguish them now that they are all black?
I realize that grackles are iridescent black with a keel-shaped
tail in flight and redwings are flat black. Just going by the
iridescence can be pretty (no pun) misleading depending on the
light and moisture. I suspect that I am just not seeing any.
Any comments from someone who has all three in your area?