General Description: Yellow-headed Blackbirds (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) are fairly large, sexually dimorphic blackbirds that are usually found around ponds and marshes. Males are jet black overall with a bright yellow head and breast, and a white patch on the wing. Females are similar, but faded. Females are brown overall with dull yellow on the head and breast that is less extensive than on males. Some birds have an orange wash on the head.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Icteridae.

Favored Habitat: Marshes with cattails and bulrushes.

Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, look for Yellow-headed Blackbirds in neighborhood ponds, parks (e.g., Lorenzi Park and Sunset Park), and the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve with emergent vegetation that provides nesting habitat. To find them in more natural habitat, visit the Pahranagat Valley or the Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Comments: Yellow-headed Blackbirds nest in cattails and bulrushes around ponds. Yellow-headed Blackbirds are gregarious and often are found in flocks.