Connecticut's bird life is rich and diverse, with more than 400 species recorded within its borders. These include both resident birds that inhabit the state year-round and migratory birds that migrate seasonally. Connecticut birdwatchers and ornithologists have documented a wide variety of bird life, from common backyard birds to rare and elusive species. Connecticut's diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, coastal areas, and urban environments, contribute to its appeal as a birding destination.
Featured Bird Species
1. Small Birds
Rusty Blackbird
Adult rusty blackbirds have predominantly black feathers with rusty brown edges, giving them a mottled appearance, especially during the breeding season. Their eyes are bright yellow with yellowish rims. During the non-breeding season, the overall color of their feathers is darker, with less pronounced rusty edges.
Rusty Blackbirds breed in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, with some populations breeding in the northeastern United States. Rusty blackbirds usually arrive at their breeding grounds in early spring. They build their nests in dense shrubs or small trees near water, constructing a cup-shaped nest out of grasses, twigs, and other plant material. Females lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs that incubate for about two weeks. In winter, they migrate south to the southeastern United States, the Mississippi Valley, and parts of the Caribbean.
Rusty blackbirds often forage in flocks, especially during migration and winter. They feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates, collected from vegetation or caught on the ground. They also eat seeds, berries, and aquatic invertebrates.
