Originally Published in CDQAP’s January 2026 Newsletter

Nesting season for the threatened tricolored blackbird occurs in late February through early June. As wetlands have continued to disappear, dairy forage fields have become a favorite nesting place. Typically, large colonies of thousands of birds will make their nests on a dozen or more dairies across the Central Valley. In more recent years, the birds have been nesting in smaller colonies, across more dairies. The birds’ nesting in forage fields coincides with harvest season, forcing delay or cancellation. A nesting colony may occupy a field for 45-90 days, depending on how synchronized the birds are.

Think You Might Have the Birds?: Since tricolored blackbirds are listed as threatened, it is unlawful to harm or harass the birds. If you believe you might have tricoloreds in your fields, you can contact NRCS or partners at Audubon California to have a confidential assessment. Since 2015, through partnership with dairy and conservation groups, NRCS has provided funding to help recoup some of the financial losses to dairies. Feel free to contact Ian Souza-Cole with questions: ian.souzacole@audubon.org. You can also contact your trade association or cooperative field representative.