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What is a Red-Winged Blackbird?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

A red-winged blackbird is the small Agelaius phoeniceus native to North America. It's a song bird with a loud, broken sort of cry. It's a passerine bird, as its order is Passeriformes, which is made up of songbirds and perching birds. Finches, jays and warblers are examples of other Passeriformes. Icteridae is the scientific name for blackbirds.

The male red-winged blackbird is all velvety black except for its shoulders, while the female of the species is an allover mottled brown. These shoulders, or epaulettes, have an orange-red triangular patch on the upper part with a cream section beneath it. This bird is often mistaken for the tri-colored blackbird that is approximately the same size. The difference between the two blackbirds is quite subtle, as the red-winged's epaulettes are typically an orange-red compared to the bluer red of the tri-colored blackbird. The white markings on the tri-colored blackbird's epaulettes are often less yellowish as well.

Female red-winged blackbirds commonly make their nests in cattails.
Female red-winged blackbirds commonly make their nests in cattails.

Although the Agelaius phoeniceus blackbird is North American, it's also found in Central America. During the summer months, the red-winged blackbird population is mainly in Canada. In winters, red-winged blackbirds prefer the climates of Mexico and Central America. The rest of the year, Agelaius phoeniceus is mostly in the United States. Marshes and fields are the preferred habitats of red-winged blackbirds, but they also live in grassy, upland areas as well.

Other than the distinctively colored shoulder markings that differentiate the red-winged blackbird from other species, it also has a loud cry and can be aggressively protective of its territory. Red-winged blackbirds will even try to attack large animals as well as humans in order to protect their nests. They have a unique running and hopping gait when looking for food at ground level. Red-winged blackbirds feed on grains, seeds and berries as well as a variety of insects.

Agelaius pheniceus birds average about 8 inches (20 cm) in length, with the female being slightly smaller in size. Red-winged blackbirds are typically part of large flocks which may include other types of blackbirds. These flocks may include several million birds for both roosting and migrating. They are known to share their roots with other species of bird.

The female red-winged blackbird builds the nest from grass in bushes or cattails. She lays up to about five eggs that are light blue with purple and brown markings. Within 15 days, the young red-winged blackbirds are ready to leave the nest temporarily. They don't leave the nest permanently for about another three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the Red-winged Blackbird from other blackbirds?

The Red-winged Blackbird is easily identifiable by the striking red and yellow shoulder patches, or "epaulets," on the males, which are displayed during courtship and territorial defense. Females are brown and heavily streaked, making them look quite different from the glossy black males. This sexual dimorphism is a key characteristic of the species.

Where can you typically find Red-winged Blackbirds?

Red-winged Blackbirds are commonly found across North America in wetlands, marshes, and meadows. They prefer areas with tall vegetation near water sources. During migration, they can be seen in large flocks moving to warmer regions, and according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, they are one of the most abundant birds across the continent.

What is the diet of a Red-winged Blackbird?

Red-winged Blackbirds have an omnivorous diet that includes seeds, grains, insects, and spiders. They forage both on the ground and in vegetation, and during breeding season, they may consume more insects to meet their higher protein needs. Their feeding habits help control agricultural pests, providing a benefit to farmers.

How do Red-winged Blackbirds behave during breeding season?

During breeding season, male Red-winged Blackbirds are polygynous, defending territories that can attract up to 15 females each. Males display their red shoulder patches and sing to attract females and deter rivals. Nesting is done by females, who build cup-shaped structures attached to reeds or bushes above water.

What are some conservation concerns for Red-winged Blackbirds?

While Red-winged Blackbirds are currently not considered threatened and have a stable population, they face habitat loss due to wetland drainage and development. Additionally, they are often subject to control measures in agricultural areas where they are seen as pests, which can impact local populations.

Can Red-winged Blackbirds mimic sounds like other bird species?

Red-winged Blackbirds are not known for their mimicry skills like some other bird species. However, they do have a variety of calls and songs. The males' distinctive conk-la-ree! song is a familiar sound in spring and summer across their range. Each male has a unique song that can vary slightly from the standard call.

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    • Female red-winged blackbirds commonly make their nests in cattails.
      By: Jim Mills
      Female red-winged blackbirds commonly make their nests in cattails.