Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
Flight call description Varies from a low, husky "quip" to a shorter, higher "khek". Also a husky, double-noted "qui-dik" or a shorter "k-dk".
Fig.1. Colorado July 25, 2001 (MO).
"Quip" call from bird in flight.
Fig.2. Texas April 24, 2001 (WRE).
"Khek" call from bird in flight..
Fig.3. Colorado July 13, 2001 (MO).
"Qui-dik" call from female in flight.
Fig.4. Colorado July 13, 2001 (MO).
"K-dk" call from male in flight.
Examples Diurnal
Similar species Most calls lower-pitched than other blackbird or grackle calls. "Quip" call has a distinctive rising inflection. "Qui-dik" call lower, less squeaky, and less descending than Red-winged Blackbird's "Ki-drk". See Boat-tailed Grackle.
Behavior Primarily a diurnal migrant. Gives flight call regularly while perched and in flight during the day. Not know to give flight call at night.