Scrub Blackbird

Scrub blackbirds of the nominate subspecies are about 22 cm (9 in) long and those of subspecies D. w. kalinowskii 27 to 31 cm (11 to 12 in). Males of the nominate subspecies weigh an average of 85.5 g (3.0 oz) and females 84 g (3.0 oz). Males of subspecies D. w. kalinowskii weigh an average of 110 g (3.9 oz). The species has a long tail and disproportionately large legs and feet. Both sexes of both subspecies have the same entirely black plumage. The nominate subspecies has a blue to green iridescence and D. w. kalinowskii has a violaceous iridescence. Both subspecies have a dark brown iris, a black bill, and black legs and feet. Juveniles are a duller, slightly glossy, blackish brown.

The nominate subspecies of the scrub blackbird is found from far southwestern Colombia's Nariño Department and Gorgona Island off its shore south through western Ecuador into northwestern Peru as far as La Libertad Department. Subspecies D. w. kalinowskii is found in western Peru from La Libertad south to Ica Department also further inland in intermontane river valleys of Cajamarca and Huancavelica departments. The scrub blackbird inhabits a variety of semi-open to open landscapes including woodlands, scrublands, cultivated areas, orchards, parks, gardens, and suburban and urban areas. In generally arid southern Ecuador and northern Peru it avoids the most arid areas and is found in gallery forest, oases, and irrigated fields. In elevation it is found below 1,300 m (4,300 ft) in Colombia. In Ecuador it is mostly below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) but reaches at least 2,100 m (6,900 ft) in far southern Loja Province. In Peru it is mostly below 2,400 m (7,900 ft) but locally reaches 3,600 m (11,800 ft).

The scrub blackbird's diet has not been studied but is believed to be insects, other arthropods, fruits (wild and domestic), seeds, and small vertebrates. It forages mostly on the ground though sometimes in trees, and is usually found in pairs or small groups.