White-browed Blackbird - Leistes superciliaris

White-browed Blackbird Leistes superciliaris
(aka Sturnella superciliaris)

Brazil

The two striking features of the White-browed Blackbird are the prominent white stripe behind the eye and the red breast. The second photo shows that this red is also visible on the wings in flight.

The female, seen in the 4th photo, is quite different being brownish with dark streaks and a buffy supercilium. There is a pinkish hue to the breast.

In fresh plumage, the male has pale brown edging to its feathers, as can be seen in the 5th photo. These gradually wear to show the more intense black of the breeding bird.

Male White-browed Blackbird, Barra do Quaraí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, August 2004 - click for larger image

They are found in grasslands and pastures and, given the agricultural development in South America, they are increasing and expanding their range which is in north-east Brazil and central Brazil with Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina.

There is an illustration in Ridgely & Tudor, Volume 1, Plate 21.

Female White-browed Blackbird, Barra do Quaraí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, April 2001 - click for larger image

Male White-browed Blackbird, Barra do Quaraí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, April 2001 - click for larger image

Back to Index

If you do not see a menu on the left, you may have arrived at this page from another site. Please click Home to get to my main page.