Scarlet-headed Blackbird
VU

Scarlet-headed Blackbird

Amblyramphus holosericeus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet-headed_blackbird

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Scarlet-headed Blackbird faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive wetland drainage and conversion for agriculture throughout its South American range. Cattle grazing and water management practices have degraded remaining marsh habitats, while pollution from agricultural runoff further compromises water quality in breeding areas. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns threaten the seasonal flooding cycles essential for this species' reproductive success.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Scarlet-headed Blackbird inhabits freshwater marshes, reed beds, and shallow wetlands with dense emergent vegetation, particularly cattail and bulrush stands. It requires seasonal flooding patterns and prefers areas with scattered trees or shrubs for nesting, typically found in lowland wetlands across Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Threatened in Argentina

Calidris ferrugineaVU

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Adonis BlueVU

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Lysandra bellargus

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Phlebopus bruchii

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Trichomycterus ramosus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Scarlet-headed Blackbird classified as Vulnerable?
Scarlet-headed Blackbird is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Scarlet-headed Blackbird faces severe population declines primarily due to extensive wetland drainage and conversion for agriculture throughout its South American range. Cattle grazing and water management practices have degraded remaining marsh habitats, while pollution from agricultural runoff further compromises water quality in breeding areas. Climate change-induced alterations to precipitation patterns threaten the seasonal flooding cycles essential for this species' reproductive success.
Where does Scarlet-headed Blackbird live?
Scarlet-headed Blackbird occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Denmark (plus 8 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Scarlet-headed Blackbird?
The main threats to Scarlet-headed Blackbird are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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