horvath@granite.cr.bull.com (John Horvath) (03/21/90)
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?