Tricolored Blackbird

(Agelaius tricolor)

This passerine bird has a limited range, the pacific coast of Northern California south to Baja. Highly social, its common name is derived from the male's white-striped red shoulder patches. Overall plumage is glossy black. They are classified by BirdLife International as 'endangered': like the passenger pigeon, their highly colonial nature makes them vulnerable to extinction.