The Rusty Blackbird, Euphagus carolinus, resembles the western member of the same genus, the Brewer's Blackbird; however, this bird has a longer bill and the male's head is iridescent green. The song resembles the grating of a rusty hinge. Rusty refers to the brownish winter plumage.

Their breeding habitat is wet temperate coniferous forests and muskeg across Canada and Alaska. The cup nest is located in a tree or dense shrub, usually over water. These birds migrate to the eastern and southeastern United States, into parts of the Grain Belt, sometimes straying into Mexico. They forage on wet ground or in shallow water, mainly eating insects and some seeds. They will attack small passerine birds, and have been known to kill species as large as Common Snipe. They feed in flocks during migration, often joining other blackbirds.

Thanks to my friend, Nagesh, for identifying this bird.

Spokane, WA.