New World Blackbirds (Family Icteridae)
The Icterids are a diverse family of birds, restricted in distribution to the Americas. They range from starling to crow sized and are very gregarious in both the breeding and non-breeding seasons. They are remarkably adaptable, occur in most habitats, and feed on a variety of prey, both animal and vegetable. Species vary in their mating system, some are monogamous, others polygamous, while the cowbirds are nest parasites, laying eggs in the nests of other species, which is thought to have contributed to population declines in some species.
A few species are extremely rare visitors to Britain.
Occasional Visitors
