Yellow-shouldered Blackbird

The Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, <em>Agelaius xanthomus</em>, is a member of the family Icteridae, the New World blackbirds, and is endemic to Puerto Rico and its offshore cays. Detailed plumage and behavioral descriptions of this species are limited in the available literature. This species occupies a range of habitats including coastal areas, forest edges, and grasslands. It is restricted to Puerto Rico and a few associated islands. The Yellow-shouldered Blackbird is classified as Endangered, a reflection of severe population declines caused by brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird, habitat destruction, and predation. Diet information is not detailed in the available data. Nesting is variable, utilizing platform or ledge nests, cavity nests, and cup nests depending on available sites. Clutch size ranges from 1 to 4 eggs, with an incubation period of approximately 12 to 13 days; fledging occurs at roughly 13 to 16 days after hatching. Song and call descriptions are limited in the available literature.